Western Regional Police Commander Visits AngloGold Ashanti, Iduapriem Mine
Western Regional Police Commander, DCOP Kofi Boakye, has said no effort will be spared in confronting the issue of glamasey nationwide. According to him, with sustained collaborative efforts between the various mining firms, the issue which is becoming a menace can be dealt with decisively. This is at a time when government has directed that all forms of galamsey activities be halted and perpetrators brought to book.
Kofi Boakye made these remarks when he paid a visit to the management of AngloGold Ashanti's Iduapriem Mine, as part of his working tour of mining companies in the western region.
Addressing the management of AngloGold Ashanti's Iduapriem Mine, the regional Police Commander said, 'AngloGold Ashanti must complement the efforts of the police in regular patrols, as galamsey activities, apart from destroying the environment, is a manifestation of lawlessness. This is a situation which is now staring us in the face.'
Kofi Boakye indicated that as part of measures to curb the issue, a Chinese retail shop, operating in Tarkwa that sells (Chan fan) equipment used for galamsey activities must be closed down.
Samuel Noi, Acting Managing Director of Iduapriem Mine, took the team through a presentation of the mine and the galamsey activities on its concession which impact the environment and cause health risks.
He appealed to the police commander for the re-introduction of police, deployed on the mine, to complement the existing military presence in fighting the menace.
Accompanied by the regional police commander were the Municipal Chief Executive of the Tarkwa Nsuaeum Municipality, a presiding member of the Assembly, the Divisional Police Commander, the Divisional Crime Officer and some leading police chiefs from the municipality.