The Ahanta West Municipal Security Council, in collaboration with the Western Regional Security Council, has launched a thorough investigation into illegal mining activities in Boukrom.
The operation is being led by the Municipal Chief Executive, Ing. Ebenezer Kofi Aidoo, and focuses on the role of the Chief of Boukrom, Nana Brekunta, amid a surge in unauthorised mining that has caused extensive damage to farmland and the local environment.
Boukrom, located within the Ahanta West Municipality, has in recent weeks witnessed a rise in illegal mining activities, posing risks to both the community and surrounding ecosystems.
Following surveillance by the Blue Water guards and National Security, authorities identified multiple illegal mining sites in the area. Acting on this intelligence, a task force comprising personnel from the Western Naval Command, National Security, and municipal Blue Water guards carried out a major operation.
The raid led to the recovery of one excavator, seventeen water pump machines, and the control board of a second excavator, alongside the arrest of two suspects.
Ing. Ebenezer Kofi Aidoo described the dual focus of the investigation as vital to tackling illegal mining.
“We are investigating the site, identifying the site owners, and probing the chief of Boukrom, Nana Brekunta. These illegal miners have been intimidating residents with pump-action guns and ‘macho men’. As municipal chief executive, I am committed to making Ahanta West a no-go area for illegal mining,” he said.
He added that those apprehended would be required to rehabilitate the damaged land before facing legal proceedings.
Brigadier General Musah Whajah (Rtd.), Western Regional National Security Liaison Officer, emphasised the need for continued vigilance.
“We are gathering complaints from neighbouring communities and maintaining a focus on protecting water bodies and forest reserves. The Western Naval Command’s efforts are commendable and central to achieving our objectives,” he said.
The investigation comes amid reports of a broader resurgence of illegal mining across several communities in the Western Region.
