In a significant operation, national security operatives in the Ashanti Region have arrested eight illegal miners, commonly referred to as galamseyers, in the Konkoma area of the Bosomtwe District. This crackdown comes in response to alarming reports of illegal mining activities that have encroached on land designated for a basic school park.
The illegal mining activities taking place dangerously close—barely 100 meters— to the Konkoma D/A Basic School and community health center have left the surrounding area severely degraded. Deep pits and loose earth remain as evidence of the mining efforts, compromising the safety of students and the health of patients visiting the nearby facility. According to school authorities, the situation poses a major risk to pupils, and the abandoned pits are turning into mosquito breeding grounds, worsening health conditions.
In light of this crisis, the Bosomtwe District Assembly has intervened by initiating a reclamation exercise aimed at restoring the damaged land. However, the focus of the security operatives remains on identifying the masterminds behind these illegal mining operations. Captain retired John Kwame Jabari, the Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, announced that officials are making significant progress in interrogating those arrested and in searching for the individuals directing these activities.
The situation highlights a pressing need for a concerted effort to protect public resources and ensure the safety of local communities. The actions taken now will determine the restoration of the area’s integrity and the well-being of its residents.