Increasing illegal mining activities within the Northern Ashanti Mines concessions in Konongo pose a serious threat to electricity supply in parts of the Ashanti and Eastern Regions.
The GRIDCo pylons located in the operational area of the Mines are at risk due to ongoing galamsey activities.
A visit to the Northern Ashanti Mines concession, which houses a GRIDCo substation, reveals exposed electricity pylons that could collapse at any moment, potentially plunging communities into darkness.
Some workers at the Mines expressed that the situation is a serious concern for both locals and management, warning that if unchecked, it could lead to a significant security risk to lives and property.
“These galamsey activities is a bother to us all, we are worried. It is destroying lands, it’s now destroying some state assets including ECG & GRIDCO lines”.
“Why is the powers that be not dealing with this galamsey menace, we are worried. I know my bosses are also worried. The locals in Konongo are also worried something must be done” one source lamented.
The duly registered and licensed mining entity, located at Konongo Odumase in the Asante Akyem Central Municipality of the Ashanti Region, has been combating illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey, within its concession.
Despite interventions by the Mines’ security forces, the situation remains critical, with security agencies such as the Asante Akyem Central Security Council (MUSEC) and Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) struggling to resolve the issue.
According to some Mine workers, security personnel face daily threats and intimidation from influential individuals backing these illegal operations, putting their safety at risk and making the fight against galamsey a challenging task within the enclave.
Recently, casualties and property damage were recorded following an attack on the Mines’ task force.
A potential confrontation between illegal miners and the Mines’ task force is anticipated on Thursday, 10th October 2024, highlighting the urgent need for effective strategies to combat illegal mining in Ghana.
