The Western North Regional Communication Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Addo Harry, has sounded the alarm over the increasing involvement of foreign militants in illegal mining activities in the Akontombra Constituency.
According to him, galamsey operations are no longer solely about the extraction of underground resources but have evolved into a major security concern due to the infiltration of foreign elements.
“Illegal mining operations are no longer merely about extracting underground resources, they have now become a domain for foreign militants,” Addo Harry stated this on his facebook post cited by Sefwinews.com.
A recent assessment by Addo Harry of illegal mining activities in Akontombra from January 7 to March 25, 2025, reveals that the practice has spread to multiple communities, including Nyameadiso, Mafiadu, Asensu, Mesrenyame, Aprutu Forest, Kofikrom, Bopa Forest, Sikaneasem Krukruwa, Akrodie, and Mantukwa.
Comparing records from January 7, 2017, to January 7, 2025, galamsey was previously observed in Akontombra town, Ankra, and Essase.
According to Addo Harry, under the leadership of Pious Kwame Nkuah, the Member of Parliament for Akontombra, the menace has expanded significantly within just three months, affecting 10 additional communities.
Addo Harry has described Akontombra as the “regional headquarters of galamsey” in the Western North Region, citing the alarming rate at which illegal mining activities have taken over the constituency.
“Under the leadership of Hon. Pious Kwame Nkuah, Akontombra is now the regional headquarters of Galamsey in Western North region” he added.
Addo Harry has called for urgent intervention to address the growing crisis, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of anti-galamsey laws to curb the escalating security risks posed by foreign militants in illegal mining operations.
