Gold seekers, dealers still scavenge for gold in Elmina

Dozens of gold seekers are still swarming the shores of Elmina, scavenging for gold which was said to have been washed ashore the Elmina beach early this week.

This is despite a directive by the Minerals Commission asking the scavengers to desist from their illegal act.

Minerals of any kind belong to the state and any individual with vested interest in exploring same must seek approval from the appropriate state institution.

But scavengers both far and near Elmina are either ignorant of the law or care less about it and have pitched tents at the Elmina Beach in dire search for a fortune that will change their lives for many years to come.

Joy News' Central Region correspondent Richard Kojo Nyarko reported that men, women, school children, school drop-outs, fishermen and entire family units have arrived at the Elmina beach digging pit after pit in search for gold.

They say they are unfazed by threats from any quarter, insisting the desire to make a huge fortune reigns supreme.

Nyarko said the beach has also attracted gold dealers who have invaded the beach area with their luxurious cars.

He has picked up information that people have started mining secretly in the Benya Lagoon.

He however expressed worry over the increasing destruction of the beach area with several pits dug in search for gold.

He said the situation should be a major source of worry for tourists.