The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Fanteakwa South District Assembly in the Eastern Region, Mercy Korang, has held a high-impact dialogue with gold miners operating in the district, aimed at curbing illegal mining and addressing the environmental and infrastructural challenges it poses.

The meeting, described as transformative, focused on key issues affecting the district, including:

The worsening state of the untamed dumpsite at Osino and plans for township development

The devastating impact of mining activities on water bodies and farmlands

The need to halt mining along major roads and enforce cleanliness of mining trucks to prevent road debris

Strengthening permit and licensing regimes, improving tax compliance, and ensuring payment of royalties

The creation of well-resourced mining committees to combat illegal operations

Enforcing a strict policy requiring all miners to obtain licenses from the Minerals Commission, with targeted support for compliant small-scale miners

Following intense deliberations, the parties reached a decisive agreement:
All miners operating along water bodies, within residential zones, or mining inside homes must cease operations and vacate these areas within two weeks.

Failure to comply will prompt the activation of a dedicated task force that will enforce mining regulations and protect the district’s environment and public health.

“Mining close to our water bodies is poisoning the very water we drink,” Korang stressed.

“It’s a health hazard, and we will not sit idly by while our environment and people suffer.”

She described illegal gold mining as a “ticking time bomb”, warning that continued environmental destruction would lead to barren lands, water contamination, food insecurity, and social unrest.

Ms. Korang called on all stakeholders — including traditional leaders, residents, and miners — to unite in the fight against illegal mining.

She urged the public to report unlawful activities and support the task force once operational.

“This is not just about stopping illegal mining.

It’s about securing a sustainable future for Fanteakwa.

Let’s work together to make our district a shining example of responsible and lawful mining,” she added.