The Atewa East District Security Council (DISEC) has warned that it will take legal action against both large- and small-scale mining companies operating in the district if they fail to reclaim degraded lands after mining activities.
The warning follows what DISEC describes as the miners’ inability and lackadaisical attitude toward an earlier agreement reached with the District Assembly’s Mining Committee.
The agreement came after a successful profiling of concession holders, miners, and degraded lands identified across the district as part of a community-based approach to curb illegal mining activities.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, December 17, after a field inspection of ongoing reclamation works in Anyinam, the Chairman of DISEC, Ernest Owusu Ntim, stressed that the council remains committed to enforcing responsible mining practices to protect lives, property, and the environment.
He noted that while some miners have responded positively and commenced reclamation works, others have failed to comply despite repeated engagements, and that those who continue to ignore the directive will face legal consequences.
“Many lands have been destroyed. Protecting those who engage in such mining activities puts the future of the community at risk. We have identified every pit and the individuals responsible. Some have returned, complied, and are now working on reclamation.
“Others have been given additional time to respond, but if they fail, we will take legal action against them,” he said.
Meanwhile, in efforts to address the use of “changfans” in polluting water bodies such as the Birim River, the District Chief Executive revealed that DISEC has adopted a decisive approach by dismantling the illegal structures with the support of gas welders.
He explained that the dismantled parts are sold to scrap dealers, a move that also generates revenue for the District Assembly.
