We’re coming for the financiers—Minister declares after 7 galamsey arrests

The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, has issued a warning to illegal miners and their supporters. This follows the arrest of seven Ghanaian men in a recent security operation.

On April 14, during the Asaase Breakfast Show, she confirmed the arrests. The suspects were caught in a joint mission with the First Infantry Battalion of the Ghana Armed Forces and local police.

Awatey noted that these individuals appeared to be workers for financiers. “We met them at the site and arrested them,” she said.

She emphasized the government's commitment to stopping illegal mining, known as galamsey. “This is a special joint effort,” she explained. The goal is to protect the environment, keep waters clean, and safeguard forests.

While field workers have been arrested, Awatey stated that efforts will now focus on identifying their financiers. “We are working on arresting those behind them,” she said.

In a show of determination, Awatey announced plans to restructure the regional anti-galamsey task force. She made it clear that this is just the beginning of a larger campaign against environmental destruction.

“We’ve decided to reconstitute the task force and we are determined,” she stated. She also reassured residents that the fight against illegal mining continues in the Eastern Region.