Tarkwa (W/R), Aug. 17, GNA - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has cautioned communities to report any foreigners engaged in illegal gold mining in their communities to the nearest EPA office and the police.

Mr. Mike Sandow Ali, Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Director of the EPA, told the GNA in an interview at Tarkwa on Tuesday that the foreigners, mostly Burkinabe, bought sand and used cyanide in shallow constructed pits to extract gold.

He said the activities of the group could pollute water sources, streams and underground water if it rained or if the pits collapsed.

"We need to act quickly to prevent poisoning water sources and communities and also prevent such individuals from securing cyanide and using it in their operations."

Mr. Ali said tests carried out in a pit at Wassa Nkwanta by the EPA over the weekend showed high levels of cyanide.

The police in previous operations arrested and prosecuted some of the foreigners using cyanide in their operations at Essaman and Simpa near Tarkwa.

He said the group had earlier been chased away from Bibiani, Bawdie and some of them are suspected to have relocated to Wassa Nkwanta near Tarkwa.

Mr. Ali said it was illegal and dangerous for galamsey operators to use cyanide in their operations since any carelessness could lead to the loss of lives and property in several rural communities.

He said such groups could steal cyanide or even intercept cyanide conveying vehicles and steal the chemicals.

Mr. Ali therefore appealed to National Security as a matter of urgency to act quickly to prevent any disasters.