Security forces inspecting reclaimed illegal mining sites near the Agenda 111 hospital project in the Adansi Asokwa District have arrested an illegal miner as state officials intensify crackdowns on galamsey operations threatening public infrastructure.
The suspect was caught operating on the periphery of the newly reclaimed zone during an on-site monitoring visit by the Regional Land Reclamation Committee.
The arrest coincided with an official site inspection confirming that large stretches of land previously devastated by galamsey have been successfully restored.
The reclamation exercise was ordered by the Ashanti Regional Minister following intense public outcry over illegal mining encroaching on state infrastructure.
Leading the joint monitoring team, Deputy Regional Security Coordinator, Alhaji Abdullah Umaru Nje, expressed deep concern over the extent of environmental destruction and warned that security forces will deal decisively with anyone engaging in illegal mining.
The team included representatives from National Security, the Minerals Development Fund (MDF), the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Agricentric Ventures, and Logeist Group Limited.
Benjamin Karikari Dwira, General Manager for Logeist Group Limited, said the rest of the degraded land could be reclaimed within three months.
To support long-term environmental recovery, Gideon Nyamesen, Chief Executive Officer of Agricentric Ventures, announced plans to cultivate oil-yielding plants across the reclaimed land.
The crop cover is expected to restore soil fertility, prevent future degradation, and generate sustainable economic value for the local community.
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