The Anti-Galamsey Taskforce, set up by the Dormaa Traditional Council has arrested 15 suspected illegal miners, including two girls in the Dormaa East District of the Bono Region.

Osagyefo Oseadeyo Agyemang Badu II, the Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area, also the President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs sets up the taskforce to stem illegal mining activities in the area.

The Ghana News Agency (GNA) learnt the illegal miners were arrested at the Akontanim community, where illegal mining activities were gradually springing up during a special task force operation.

Alhaji Inuse Luti, the Assembly Member for the Kyeremasu Nana Tawiah Electoral Area in the District confirmed the arrest and told the GNA that the suspects had since been placed in police custody, saying police investigations were on-going for the suspects to be arraigned before court.

“In fact, anybody who would be caught engaging in illegal mining would not be spared and would be made to face the full rigours of the law,” he warned.

Alhaji Luti explained that the District Assembly, traditional authorities and other stakeholders had resolved to stem illegal mining activities in the area, saying “we will continue to fight until the menace is eliminated”.

He said it was untrue that some chiefs, unit committee as well as some members were involved in the illegal mining activities as rumoured in the area, and commended Osagyefo Oseadeyo Badu II his immense role and commitment in fighting the menace.

He also commended Kofi Agyemang, the Dormaa East District Chief Executive and Nana Owusu Amponsah, the Chief of Kyeremasu for their instrumental role in helping to bring illegal mining activities in the area under control.

Luti observed that fighting the menace remained shared responsibility, and therefore called on the people in the area to endeavour to provide information on suspected illegal miners to the taskforce.