Ntotroso chief requests for Operation Vanguard to tackle galamsey

The Omanhene of the Ntotroso Traditional Area in the Asutifi North District of the Brong Ahafo Region, Barima Twereku Ampem II, is appealing to President Nana Akufo Addo to dispatch Operation Vanguard Unit to the community to help fight the activities of illegal mining in the area.

He assured government of the traditional council’s commitment and determination to support the President’s initiative at fighting and tackling a canker that has serious consequences on the environment and pollution of water bodies.

“Nana Addo’s initiative is good, and I even thought Operation Vanguard will come here. I send out warning every day to all those engaged in the act at night. So if Operation Vanguard comes to Brong Ahafo here, arrest the illegal miners and deal with them, it will help”, he said.

Speaking to Citi News, Barimah Twereku Ampem II accused foreigners and non-indigenes as those engaged in the illegal act.

He lamented lack of logistics and equipment was hindering their fight against illegal mining in the area.

“I don’t have the equipment to do the job and companies that can assist us say they cannot do it without support and backing of the government. I’m therefore appealing to the government; the regional minister and the district chief executive for the area to liaise and take a decision to cover the pits. When we are asleep, they go to mine”, he lamented.

One dead, several others trapped in galamsey pit at Ntotroso

It will be recalled that on Sunday dawn, a galamsey pit in the area caved in leaving one dead, with several others believed to have trapped in the pit. The 25-year deceased, was only identified as Christian, believed to be a Nigerian.

The tragic incident reportedly happened at 3:00am Sunday, when the illegal miners descended into the trenches to look for gold.

Source: citifmonline.com