By Michael Duodu, GNA
Yamfo (Ahafo), Sept. 28, GNA – Mr Pius Sampson Opoku, the Tano North Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) has declared a ‘no tolerance for galamsey’ campaign, to stem illegal mining activities in the Municipality.
He warned that anybody who engaged in the illegal mining practice would be prosecuted, irrespective of their political background.
Mr Opoku noted that the Tano River course remained the only source of drinking water in the Municipality, saying they would do everything to protect the river from being polluted and destroyed.
He therefore urged the local communities to remain watchful and report any galamsey-related activity to the security agencies or the Municipal Assembly.
Mr Opoku gave the advice when he addressed the chiefs and people of Yamfo, a mining town within the Newmont Ahafo North project on the sidelines of a clean-up exercise organised by the assembly.
Dubbed “Operation clean your frontage,” hundreds of residents in the area participated in the clean-up exercise in line with the government’s National Sanitation Day programme, clearing, sweeping weedy surroundings and desilting choked gutters.
Mr Opoku emphasised that the security services would not be lenient with persons who engaged in galamsey activities, saying “We will not even listen to any plea of pardon from chiefs and opinion leaders,” rather ensuring that offenders were prosecuted.
Nana Darkowaa Ampem Kyerewaa II, the Paramount Queen-mother of the Yamfo Traditional Area commended the impressive turnout and urged the Assembly to sustain the clean-up exercise.
Miss Matilda Rabi Issaka, the Tano North Municipal Environmental Health Officer said collective efforts were required to improve sanitation and waste management and called for stakeholder support.
Security services, public and civil servants, as well as traditional, opinion and religious leaders, youth and women groups and students participated in the clean-up exercise which lasted for about five hours.
GNA
Edited by Dennis Peprah/ Christabel Addo