The devastation from illegal small scale mining at Fahiakobo, a notorious galamsey community in the Amansie Central District, on Monday forced the Ashanti Regional Minister to abandon inspection of roads in the area.

Mr Simon Osei Mensah, had visited the Obuasi – Amansie Central enclave to inspect the conditions of the road network but on reaching Fahiakobo, he was forced to change his itinerary to move in on some illegal small scale miners due to the level of destruction from their activities.

A 29-year-old Kwaku Ofori was arrested by the minister and his team in what could be termed as ambush while others managed to escape into a nearby bush.

His machines were also seized He pleaded for mercy but the minister ignored it and ordered for him to be taken to the Police.

“We thought we were at the end of the road with the fight against galamsey but this’ evident that we have a long way to go” the minister admitted.

On the issue of finding an alternative livelihood as an ostensible bargaining chip to end illegal mining in he said the government is committed to finding jobs for the people.

“The president said he will design a package for those in galamsey so that they won’t end up becoming a burden on the country,” said.

The issue of illegal small scale mining has dominated public discussions within the last three months. Government has stepped up efforts to stop the activities of the illegal miners because of the enormity of destruction on the environment.