Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene has directed a swift police investigation and urgent medical intervention following two separate incidents that occurred during an anti-illegal mining operation, an attack on an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) task force and a road accident involving accompanying journalists.
The EPA task force, deployed to clamp down on illegal mining (galamsey) activities in the Ashanti Region, reportedly came under attack by unidentified individuals believed to be linked to the miners. Meanwhile, journalists covering the operation were involved in a crash at Afari in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality.
In a statement released by the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, Dr. Amoakohene instructed the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate to ensure all injured officers and journalists receive comprehensive medical care.
The Regional Police Command has also been ordered to identify and prosecute the attackers, while the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has been tasked to secure the affected area and halt all ongoing galamsey activities.
Meanwhile, the Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) confirmed that four journalists sustained injuries in the accident, three of whom are receiving treatment at the Afari Community Hospital, and one at KATH, while another, Ibrahim Abubakar Ruwankarau, has been discharged.
The GJA noted that the injured journalists are in stable condition and responding to treatment.
“The Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council remains resolute in its commitment to protecting the environment and ensuring the safety of all officers engaged in lawful anti-illegal mining operations,” the statement emphasized.
Illegal mining continues to pose severe environmental and security threats in Ghana, with growing concerns over attacks on law enforcement and media personnel during anti-galamsey operations. The Regional Minister reaffirmed government’s zero-tolerance stance on the menace, promising to ensure that justice and accountability prevail.
Discover more from Hot Stories Ghana
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
