Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, who is head of the Regional Security Taskforce, has inaugurated a seven-member task force to lead the fight against the illegal mining menace.
The task force was formed during a Regional Security Council (REGSEC) meeting and inaugurated on Tuesday, March 3, 2025, in Koforidua.
The task force comprises key security and regulatory agencies, including the Regional Police Commander, the Military Commanding Officer, the Regional Commander of the Ghana Immigration Service, the Regional Commander of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), the Regional Security Liaison Officer, the Regional Director of the Minerals Commission, and the Regional Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Hon. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey stated that the task force operates under delegated authority from REGSEC, which will take full responsibility for its operations.
“The primary aim of the Task Force, if I should reiterate, is to monitor and prevent illegal mining activities across the region with particular emphasis on areas that have been severely impacted. I pray that it does not become a nine-day wonder or business as usual, but rather a great force to reckon with. Indeed, I expect this Task Force to be a task force of a difference which will carry out its mandates without fear or favor”.
The task force has been assigned a broad mandate, including identifying and monitoring illegal mining sites, enforcing mining laws and prosecuting offenders, confiscating equipment used in illegal mining operations, and protecting water bodies and forests from destruction.
Additionally, the taskforce will conduct public awareness campaigns on the dangers of illegal mining and collaborate with local communities to enhance intelligence gathering.
The Eastern Regional Minister lamented the severe consequences of illegal mining, describing it as not only an environmental and economic threat but also a major risk to human life.
She urged the team to carry out its work with diligence and integrity, stressing that this initiative must not become a “nine-day wonder.”
She called on communities to support the fight by reporting illegal mining activities and assured that the government, under President John Mahama’s “Resetting Agenda,” is committed to providing the necessary logistics and resources to ensure the task force’s success.
Zero Tolerance for Illegal Mining
The Regional Minister reaffirmed that the Eastern Region would not tolerate illegal mining in any form.
She warned against leaking operational details, emphasizing the need for confidentiality to ensure successful enforcement.
“As a region, we must stand united to protect our lands and water bodies for future generations. This requires collective effort, and I have confidence that this task force will deliver on its mandate,” she stated.
