The Ashanti Regional branch of the National Security has stepped up its land reclamation campaign in areas severely affected by illegal mining, arresting nine suspected illegal miners and seizing nine excavators during a week-long operation in Obuasi.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to recover public lands that have been encroached upon and degraded by illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.
As part of the exercise, the Deputy Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, Alhaji Enjai, on Thursday, 30th July toured the Obuasi Airport lands, where extensive destruction caused by illegal mining has raised concerns over the safety and future use of the area.
The assessment was conducted together with Logist Group to evaluate the scale of the environmental damage and accelerate reclamation efforts.
According to the Ashanti Regional National Security, the Obuasi Airport lands have been “heavily degraded by illegal mining activities,” necessitating urgent intervention to restore the affected area.
Officials said the latest operation underscores the government’s determination to protect critical public infrastructure and lands from illegal mining, while ensuring that those engaged in unlawful activities are brought to justice.
The intensified crackdown comes amid sustained national efforts to combat illegal mining, which continues to threaten water bodies, forest reserves, agricultural lands and key public assets across the country.
Authorities have indicated that the reclamation exercise and enforcement operations will continue in affected communities as part of measures to safeguard public lands and preserve the environment.
