The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has directed the Amenfi East Municipal Assembly and the Municipal Security Council to urgently identify a miner who allegedly operated behind the New Cooperative Academy at Wassa Gyapa in the Western Region.
The directive follows a viral video that showed illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, taking place just a few meters from the school, raising concerns about the safety of pupils and staff.
According to the Minister, the immediate identification of the individual behind the activity is necessary to ensure the reclamation of the degraded land and to prevent any potential threat to the school environment.
However, the Headteacher of the school, Daniel Ndegoh, has disputed claims that the mining activity is ongoing. He explained that the video in circulation was recorded in November 2024 and does not reflect the current situation.
Mr. Ndegoh indicated that the mining site existed prior to the establishment of the school, although it was smaller at the time. He further revealed that in 2023, school authorities, the Municipal Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, the then Municipal Chief Executive, and the miner reached an agreement to ensure that mining activities would not endanger school children.
He added that the miners have since vacated the site for about a year.
During a visit to assess the situation at the school, Mr. Nelson, who also chairs the Regional Security Council, reiterated his directive for the immediate search for the miner and the reclamation of the affected land.
He also issued a strong warning to individuals engaging in illegal mining, stressing that the safety of school children remains a top priority and will not be countenanced.
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