Michael Amoah Awuku, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Atwima Nwabiagya Municipal Assembly, has provided insight into why the task force charged with combating illicit mining, also known as "galamsey," has failed in their mission.
Friday on Adom FM's Dwaso Nsem, he explained that members of the task force do not reside in the mining communities, so miners scatter before their arrival.
He also noted that illegal miners are informed of security agency invasions by informants.
Mr. Awuku disclosed that he has expended more than GHc500,000 to combat galamsey and that only Ghanaians have been apprehended for their involvement in the scourge.
In addition, he stated that no foreigners, chiefs, or members of his party were involved in illicit mining.
The MCE emphasized that illegal mining can only be halted if the affected communities coalesce and declare "enough is enough."
"Members of the task force do not reside in the community; they are outsiders." By the time they arrive at the location, the people have dispersed because they acted based on prior information.
"Like armed criminals, the miners are always ahead of you. They are extremely inventive.
"Because the gold enclave in my assembly is small, I will not remain here and deny that galamsey occurs there. Our primary concern is the presence of galamsey in our water bodies.
"I believe galamsey on land can be managed and controlled to a significant degree. It is very challenging. I am not suggesting that the fight against it has been simple. Some argue that although the government has access to security agencies, it is not as simple as it seems because we are dealing with a human institution.
"You need resources and the participation of the entire community," he said. "Otherwise, the task is not simple."
Mr. Awuku acknowledged that galamsey is a significant issue in the region, particularly with regard to water bodies, and suggested that it can be regulated to some extent if the entire community rejects illegal mining.