The Eastern Regional Minister, Eric Kwakye Darfuor has charged the Police to start arresting politicians and chiefs behind illegal mining activities in the region.

Troubled by the destructive activities of illegal miners in the region, the Minister asked the security services to also be worried at the rate of land degradation and pollution of water bodies and arrest the perpetrators including their cartels and confiscate their equipments.

He warned that, he will not entertain any person or group who will attempt to plead on behalf of anyone arrested in connection with illegal mining.

According to Hon. Eric Kwakye Daffour, illegal miners are excavating every part of the environment in the region including cemeteries, rail lines and schools.

He said, agriculture which is the backbone of the country’s economy is suffering due to the negative impact of illegal mining.

The Minister who was addressing the annual West Africa Security Service Association (WASSA) organized by the Eastern Regional Police Command on Friday, noted that the region has more excavators than tractors signifying the enormity of the challenge confronting the region.

He repeated that if measures are not taken immediately some places like the Okyehene’s palace will be invaded by illegal miners in prospect for gold.