In Wenchi, situated in the Bono Region, six individuals have been apprehended for engaging in mining activities within the River Tain following a crackdown.
The initiative, led by the Paramount Chief of the Wenchi Traditional Area, Osagyefo Ampem Anye Amoampong Tabrako III, aims to eliminate illegal mining activities upstream of the River Tain, where the significant €30 million Wenchi water project is planned.
Osagyefo Tabrako explained to reporters in Wenchi that the miners were actively involved in illegal mining operations within the river when the task force intervened. He stated that three of the alleged illegal miners were detained in December 2023, while the remaining three were apprehended on Sunday, January 28, 2024.
Following their arrest, the six individuals have been handed over to the Wenchi police for further legal proceedings, as emphasized by the Paramount Chief.
During the initial operation, the task force confiscated various mining equipment along with a motorbike.
Osagyefo Tabrako stressed the importance of the €30 million Wenchi Water Project, funded by the Government of Ghana through a credit facility from Belgium and sourced from River Tain, in addressing the poor water system in Wenchi.
He also warned that the Wenchi Traditional Council will not tolerate any illegal mining activity, whether in River Tain or any other location on their land.
Furthermore, Osagyefo Tabrako highlighted the readiness of the anti-illegal mining task force established by the Wenchi Traditional Council to eradicate illegal mining and its associated activities from the region.
