By Daniel Bampoe
For the first time in the history of the Suhum Municipality, illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, has reared its head, prompting swift and decisive action from the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Lydia Ohenewa Sarah.
In a bold move to halt the environmental destruction before it escalates, Sara Ohenewa led a joint task force operation involving the Ghana Police Service and municipal security personnel to flush out illegal miners operating in the Snar enclave—a previously untouched area now under serious threat from galamsey activities.
The MCE’s intervention comes at a critical time, as the national conversation on illegal mining intensifies. President John Dramani Mahama’s renewed stance on sustainable environmental practices has found expression in local government action, with Suhum becoming the latest frontline in the long-standing fight against illegal mining.
The Snar community, largely agrarian and dependent on its natural ecosystem, had begun to experience the early signs of environmental degradation, including polluted streams and cleared forest patches.
Residents expressed concern over the sudden presence of unfamiliar individuals and the use of heavy machinery in the area.
The crackdown, which began over the weekend, forms part of a broader municipal strategy to identify and neutralize any threats to land sustainability, forest reserves, and water bodies in Suhum.
According to officials, surveillance and intelligence gathering had been underway for weeks before the operation was launched.
Sara Ohenewa reiterated that the action was not only in response to the immediate threat posed by the illegal miners but also a signal of her administration’s commitment to long-term environmental stewardship.
The MCE also appealed to residents to be vigilant and report suspicious mining activity, emphasizing that community participation is vital in protecting the environment.
Meanwhile, no arrests have been confirmed as of press time, but the area has been secured and mining equipment impounded for further examination.
The Suhum Municipal Assembly has hinted at introducing stricter by-laws and collaborating with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minerals Commission to conduct community sensitization campaigns.
