Illegal mining activities in the Juaben Municipality of the Ashanti Region are posing an increasing threat to public infrastructure, with miners now operating dangerously close to the Akronwe-Wabiri intersection on a major road, raising concerns about public safety and environmental destruction.
The situation came to light during an inspection by National Security officials led by the Deputy Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, Alhaji Abdullah Umaru Nje.
During the visit, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Juaben, Eunice Ohenewaa Ansu, attributed the continued illegal mining activities to a dispute over police jurisdiction.
According to the MCE, although the affected land falls within the Juaben Municipality, responsibility for policing the area is claimed by the Bekwai and Konongo police commands.
She said this overlap has prevented the Juaben Police from carrying out regular patrols or arresting illegal miners operating in the area.
Mrs Ansu expressed concern that the jurisdictional confusion has created a loophole that illegal miners are exploiting to continue their activities without fear of prosecution.
She further alleged that despite frequent patrols by officers from the neighbouring police commands, the illegal operations have continued unchecked.
The MCE claimed some patrol teams visit the mining sites but leave without making arrests, raising concerns about possible collusion between the miners and some security personnel.
The inspection revealed that one of the worst-affected areas is located on a legally registered concession belonging to Charlie and Sons Mining Company Limited.
The site has been heavily degraded, leaving behind large open pits that pose a danger to motorists and other road users along the Akronwe-Wabiri road.
Officials also identified extensive environmental damage in Pemenase, another community within the municipality, where illegal mining has destroyed large portions of land despite being located away from major roads.
To address the situation, Mrs Ansu has appealed to the Minister for the Interior to intervene by resolving the security boundary dispute and granting the Juaben Police Command full authority to patrol and enforce the law in the affected areas.
