The Minerals Commission has successfully closed down an illegal mining site in Ghana Nungua in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region following strong resistance from residents who suspected a planned cooperative mining project was a front for galamsey.
Residents of Ghana Nungua and nearby Cocoa Town had kicked against the scheduled launch of the cooperative mining initiative, fearing it would legitimise illegal small-scale mining activities in the area.
According to the Communications Director of the Minerals Commission, Della Edem, community concerns prompted an immediate investigation, which revealed that an illegal mining company was already operating at the site.
Speaking to Adom News, Della Edem explained that security agencies were swiftly called in to address the situation.
He added that the owner of the illegal operation has been placed on the police wanted list.
The development comes after residents raised alarm over the lack of proper environmental assessments and community consultation before the proposed cooperative mining project was announced by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
The swift closure of the illegal site has been welcomed by many residents, who expressed relief that authorities acted promptly to protect their community from the destructive effects of galamsey.
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