Galamsey operators clash with soldiers at Kyebi

About 200 armed illegal miners(galamsey operators) on Monday attacked security personnel at the forecourt of Okyenhene’s palace at Kyebi, in a bid to recapture some seized equipment which they use for their operations.

The equipment included 17 water pumping machines and hose.

The personnel comprising the Army and Police called for reinforcement and retrieved the items from the illegal miners amidst warning shots, which scared them to run for cover.

In the process four of the galamsey operators were injured and admitted at the Kyebi Government Hospital.

The security officials were deployed to Kyebi on Sunday to stop the mining activities in the area which had led to the pollution of the Birim River and the outbreak of cholera.

The Okyenehene, Osagyefuo Amotia Ofori Panin who was at the palace at the time of the incident protested to the Eastern Regional Co-ordinating Council (REGSEC)  over the issue.

Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, who led members of REGSEC to meet with Osagyefo Ofori Panin urged those who want to mine in the area to acquire the necessary documents to enable them operate within the laws of the country.

He appealed to people who have decided to undermine the efforts of the security agents to be cautious of the consequence of their action.

The Regional Minister urged the security agents to strictly enforce the law.

Lt Col Barimah Braku Owusu, Commander of the Military Detachment in the region appealed to the traditional authorities to co-operate with the security agents to help fight the illegal mining in the Akyem-Abuakwa area .

Okyenhemaa, Nana Adutwumwaa Dokua II, called for dialogue between the Regional Co-ordinating Council, the traditional authorities and the youth at Kyebi on the dangers of illegal mining.

Source: GNA