Tano North MCE denies links to unofficial galamsey taskforce [Audio]

Pius Sampson Opoku, the Tano North Municipal Chief Executive, has refuted claims that he leads a personal taskforce to combat illegal mining in his municipality. He told Adom FM that the Municipal Security Council, alongside the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat and the Regional Security Council, continues to enforce operations against illegal mining in the area.

Opoku explained that authorities often respond to intelligence about illegal mining activities, but sometimes are unable to apprehend suspects, as miners flee before security teams arrive. He also noted that illegal miners often abandon their operations when they receive information that security personnel are approaching. The Assembly is actively collaborating with NAIMOS and the Regional Security Council to intensify the fight against illegal mining and protect the municipality's water bodies and natural resources, according to Opoku.

He emphasized that the only recognized bodies involved in anti-galamsey operations are NAIMOS and the Municipal Assembly, and that any unofficial taskforces are not government-backed.