By King Amoah
The management of Kofreze Construction & Engineering Company, a reputable mining firm operating in Wassa Dadiese in the Wassa Amenfi East Municipality in the Western region has issued a desperate plea for government intervention to halt the unchecked proliferation of illegal mining locally known as galamsey which is currently wreaking havoc on their legally acquired concessions and the surrounding environment.
Mr. Fred Korankye the Managing Director of the firm has expressed deep concern over the near total collapse of the regulatory oversight in the mining sector.
He posited that if the government’s stated commitment to end the illegal mining is to be realized, state agencies—specifically the National Security and other regulatory bodies must transition from rhetoric to decisive action.
A Regulatory Vacuum:
In a scathing assessment of the country’s mining regulators, Mr. Korankye noted that the Minerals Commission appears virtually non existent in the face of the current environmental crisis.
The situation on the ground suggests that the Minerals Commission has abandoned its mandate, effectively to grant galamsey operators a free pass to destroy our environment with impunity, he stated.
He further critiqued the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) accusing the institution of “turning a blind eye” to the massive degradation of lands.
According to Mr. Korankye, the apathy extends beyond these regulators to include local District and Municipal Chief Executives (DCEs/MCEs), traditional authorities and regional security commands of whom all have allegedly failed to act despite clear, documented reports of illegal encroachment.
Legal Concessions Under Siege:
Korankye said the frustration of the firm stems from the blatant takeover of their mineral concession which was acquired in accordance with the Minerals & Mining Act 2006 (Act 703).
Despite formal complaints filed with the District Assembly, the police, the EPA, the Minerals Commission and even the National Security secretariat specifically a petition dated April 30, 2026, Mr. Korankye says no fruitful response has been received.
We are watching our properties being destroyed and our licensed lands being gutted by illegal operators while those in authority look on unconcerned, Mr. Korankye lamented.
Call for Presidential Intervention:
Fearing that the situation may soon escalate into civil unrest, the Managing Director is calling for immediate intervention from the Presidency.
He warned that the patience of the local community and affected businesses is wearing thin.
I am humbly appealing for presidential intervention before the mounting anger of the citizens boils over into bloody confrontations,
Mr. Korankye cautioned. “We must act now to maintain the peace and protect the future of our lands before it is too late.
