The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, has issued a two-week ultimatum to all Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) in the region to profile all miners and their Financiers operating within their jurisdictions.
The directive aims to identify legitimate miners operating in compliance with mining and environmental regulations and to clamp down on those engaged in illegal mining activities, particularly on river bodies and forest reserves.
The minister gave the directive during a crucial meeting held on Monday, October 6, 2025, in Koforidua, which brought together MMDCEs, NDC constituency executives, and other key stakeholders. The meeting was also attended by the Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Mustapha Gbande.
The engagement forms part of intensified government efforts following President John Mahama’s recent high-level meeting with civil society organizations (CSOs) at the Jubilee House to develop sustainable strategies to tackle the galamsey menace.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Mrs.Rita Awatey emphasized the government’s resolve to enforce the laws governing mining operations in the region.
Story by: Kojo Ansah
