25 out of 43 districts in Ashanti region affected by galamsey - Adomonline.com

Seven more districts in the Ashanti Region have been invaded by illegal miners, despite increased efforts to stop the menace.

Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, addressing a meeting of the Regional Coordinating Council expressed worry over the situation.

A visit of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, John Abu Jinapor, to some affected areas in the Amansie Districts in September this year revealed deep pits opened all over a vast area.

Already, the Regional Coordinating Council, through its enhanced surveillance, has stopped the spread of the activity to the Afigya Kwabre District.

Meanwhile, the Minister has endorsed the Asantehene’s call to hold traditional authorities accountable for illegal mining in their jurisdictions.

As he puts it, if someone had come to encroach on your land you will report it, why do you refuse to report if there is illegal mining?” the Regional Minister added.

The Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council is strategising to improve performance in the coming year.