Although Kintampo is not widely known for illegal mining activities, emerging evidence suggests that such operations are taking place along the Black Volta.
The situation has prompted the Municipal Security Committee (MUSEC) to take swift action by declaring the area a no-go zone for illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including the Defence Minister, who were involved in efforts to combat illegal mining, the Kintampo Municipal Assembly together with local security agencies launched an anti-galamsey operation along the Black Volta.
Despite these interventions, recent reports indicate that the river has been inundated by illegal miners, leading to severe pollution of the water body, which also serves as a key source for power generation at the Bui Power Authority.
In response, MUSEC, led by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Isaac Donkor, conducted another operation over the weekend, during which more than 40 motorised machines and other equipment used for illegal mining were seized.
Addressing the media, Mr. Donkor stated that the assembly would not tolerate any form of illegal mining in the municipality and warned perpetrators to stay away from the area.
He also cautioned chiefs and community leaders who may be indirectly supporting illegal miners under the guise of community development to desist from such actions.
