Illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey in the Banda District of the Bono Region poses a significant threat to the operations of the Bui Generating Station (BGS), according to Hon. Joseph Addae Akwaboa, the Bono Regional Minister.
Emphasizing the importance of protecting this national asset, he called for collective and decisive action to curb illegal mining activities in the area.
During a visit with members of the Bono Regional Security Council and the Press on 4th March 2025, to assess the extent of destruction caused by illegal mining in the Wenchi Municipality and Banda District, Hon. Akwaboa highlighted the alarming impact on forest resources and cashew plantations.
This is the second time in less than a month that the Regional Minister has visited illegal mining sites in the region since assuming office.
The team inspected illegal mining sites at Nipakro and Surobokrom in the Banda District, as well as another site at Branam in the Wenchi Municipality. Expressing concern over the devastation, he remarked: “Galamsey issue is thought to be confined to the Western and Central regions and parts of the country, but I never believed that Banda is experiencing a worse situation which caused environmental alteration.”
He stressed the need for practical and effective strategies to tackle the issue, protect the environment, and safeguard the BGS. “If the menace does not stem immediately, that can affect the operations of the BGS and destroy water bodies in the area too,” he warned, adding, “We can’t afford to compromise the operations of the BGS which provides electricity and water for many communities.”
Hon. Akwaboa also warned traditional leaders against releasing lands for illegal mining, urging them to stop or face legal consequences. “Some are supporting these illegal activities,“ he lamented.
He assured that so long as he remains in office as the regional minister, he will ensure that this menace of illegal mining activities in the bono region is resolved, emphasizing that the government has the political will to fight this menace.
He further appealed to farmers not to sell their cashew farms to miners, revealing the government’s plan to establish a cashew industry in the area to enhance farmers’ livelihoods and create job opportunities.
Additionally, he encouraged unemployed youth to participate in government skills training programs to secure stable employment.
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