Hon Charles Appiah‑Kubi, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bosomefreho in the Ashanti Region , has directed all small‑scale miners operating within the district to furnish the assembly with the requisite documents supporting their mining activities by next week.
The deadline underscores the administration’s intent to map and verify every mining operation in the area, thereby enabling swift identification and legal action against illegal mining undertakings.
During an engagement with miners held in Bosomefreho today, Hon Appiah‑Kubi clarified that the directive is not an indictment of responsible mining but a necessary step to ensure compliance with the law.
“The NDC government and I personally are not against mining; however, it must be conducted responsibly and within the ambit of the law,” he said.
He emphasized that mining operations must be accompanied by land reclamation efforts, requiring miners to rehabilitate degraded sites and facilitate the cultivation of plants on affected lands.
Adding their activities would be monitored by the assembly taskforce.
The DCE outlined the district’s readiness to partner with miners who adhere to “responsible cooperative mining” principles.
He stressed that activities encroaching on rivers, forests, and roadside areas will not be tolerated. “It is my responsibility as DCE to ensure that rivers, forest reserves, and roadside stretches are protected from mining activities,” Hon Appiah‑Kubi asserted, linking the crackdown to the national fight against illegal mining (often termed “galamsey”) and the broader goal of environmental preservation.
Hon Charles Appiah‑Kubi, who is reputed as one of the most hard‑working District Chief Executives in the country, warned that individuals persisting with illegal mining will face the full rigor of the law.
“Those with the mindset of engaging in illegalities will not be spared; they will be arrested and prosecuted,” he warned, underscoring the administration’s zero‑tolerance stance.
The call for documentation is expected to aid authorities in tracing the legitimacy of mining operations, confirming compliance with environmental safeguards, and ensuring that land reclamation and rehabilitation commitments are honoured.
Miners have been urged to present all permits, licences, environmental impact assessments, and reclamation plans to the Bosomefreho District Assembly before the close of next week.
The move has been received as a decisive step toward curbing illegal mining in the Ashanti Region, reinforcing the government’s commitment to sustainable mining practices while safeguarding water bodies, forests, and community safety. Stakeholders note that successful implementation could serve as a model for other districts grappling with similar challenges.
The Bosomefreho District Assembly, under Hon Appiah‑Kubi’s leadership, remains focused on balancing economic activities with environmental stewardship, seeking to foster a climate where lawful, responsible mining co‑exists with ecological preservation and community well‑being.
Source :Ayisah Foster,The Punch News paper
