A renewed fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, in the Sefwi Wiawso Municipality has led to the arrest of five individuals, but the operation has also uncovered disturbing claims of corruption among security officers.
The crackdown, led by Municipal Chief Executive Gyasi Dominic with support from the Blue Water Guards, targeted miners operating unlawfully in protected areas. The suspects were arrested on site, with their tools and smaller equipment seized, while larger machinery was destroyed to prevent further use.
However, investigations that followed have revealed that some soldiers and police officers allegedly accepted bribes from galamsey operators in exchange for protection, raising serious concerns about sabotage in the government’s war against illegal mining. Residents fear that these compromises not only embolden miners but also undermine years of effort to protect water bodies and farmlands.
Mr. Dominic strongly condemned the alleged complicity, vowing to expose and sanction any security officer caught aiding illegal operators. He urged residents to join hands in the fight, stressing that “the battle against galamsey requires collective responsibility.”
In contrast, the integrity of Private Solomon Asare Teye-Tsu, a soldier who recently rejected a bribe from illegal miners at the Bibiani Gold Mine, has been widely praised as an example of the discipline and honesty needed in the ongoing campaign.
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