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The ban on illegal small-scale mining by the government has been largely ignored in the Amansie Central District.

Many of the illegal miners continue to carry out the illegal activity – destroying water bodies and farmlands.

Mr. Simon Osei-Mensah, the Ashanti Regional Minister, chanced upon some of the recalcitrant miners during an inspection of road projects at Fahiakobo and Fanso in the area.

They fled, when they saw the Minister and his entourage, leaving behind digging equipment including ‘chanfan’ machines and shovels, water pumping machines and gold extracting mats.

These were seized by the security personnel.

Mr. Osei-Mensah said the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) was working in partnership with affected communities to rein in the illegal miners.

Hotlines would soon be provided, where people could also call to divulge information on illegal mining.

He rallied everybody to join the fight to end the pollution of rivers and streams, the destruction of forests, cocoa farms and farmlands.