The Ahanta West Municipal Security Council, in collaboration with the Western Regional Security Council, has initiated a decisive, two-pronged investigation to address rising illegal mining activities in the municipality.

The probe, led by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Ing. Ebenezer Kofi Aidoo, will focus on both the conduct of the Chief of Boukrom, Nana Brekunta, and the illicit mining operations that have devastated large farmlands and threatened the local environment and economy.

Boukrom, a community within the Ahanta West Municipality, has recently emerged as a key hub for illegal mining.

Weeks of surveillance conducted by National Security operatives and Blue Water guards uncovered multiple illegal mining sites across the area.

These operations have resulted in extensive destruction of farmlands and encroachment dangerously close to residential zones.

Acting on gathered intelligence, a joint task force made up of the Western Naval Command, National Security personnel, and the municipal Blue Water Guards executed a major raid on the illegal mining sites.

The operation led to the seizure of one excavator, the control board of another, 17 water pump machines, and the arrest of two suspects.

Speaking in an interview, MCE Ing. Ebenezer Kofi Aidoo announced that the municipal and regional security councils are determined to enforce a strict crackdown.

He emphasised that the investigation will thoroughly examine both illegal mining activities and the alleged involvement or negligence of the Boukrom chief.

“We will not allow Ahanta West to be a safe haven for illegal mining.

Anyone involved will face the consequences.”

The MCE further stated that individuals arrested for illegal mining will be required to reclaim and rehabilitate damaged lands before facing prosecution.

“Before any prosecution begins, offenders will first restore the land they have destroyed,” Ing. Ebenezer Kofi Aidoo added

Meanwhile, the Western Regional National Security Liaison Officer, Brigadier General Musah Whajah (Rtd.), has assured that security operations will be continuous and intensified.

He confirmed that new intelligence reports indicate a resurgence of illegal mining across various communities in the region.

“Our operations will not stop. We will sustain and intensify them to protect our environment,” he concluded