Bosomtwe District to Become Security Zone in Crackdown on Illegal Mining

Urgent Action Against Environmental Destruction

The Bosomtwe District Assembly in the Ashanti Region is moving to declare the entire district a security zone as part of an urgent effort to tackle illegal mining and protect environmentally sensitive areas, particularly Lake Bosomtwe. District Chief Executive Abdulai Hamid announced the decision following a site visit with security agencies and regional officials, describing the scale of environmental damage caused by illegal mining as alarming.

The Assembly is taking steps to restrict all mining activities in the area and has begun engaging the Minerals Commission to block prospecting and mining licences within the district. Mr. Hamid stated that the security zone declaration will help prevent future destruction alongside addressing current damage. He emphasised that the intervention is necessary to safeguard biodiversity and protect the district's ecological assets from further degradation.

Security and Resource Challenges

The DCE raised concerns about limited enforcement capacity, noting that the district has only 44 security personnel for a population exceeding 170,000 people, with just one operational vehicle. The Assembly is seeking additional support from National Security and other state agencies to strengthen surveillance and enforcement operations. Mr. Hamid pledged logistical backing to enable national security personnel to effectively monitor and protect the enclave.

Investigation and Restoration Efforts

Preliminary investigations have identified a suspect linked to the illegal mining activities, with security personnel actively pursuing the individual. The DCE stated that those responsible will face accountability for the environmental damage. Immediate reclamation work has already begun, including covering open mining pits, whilst technical experts and the Forestry Commission will guide long-term restoration efforts involving tree planting and land rehabilitation to restore degraded areas.