In response to the rampant impunity in Ghana's illegal mining sector, known locally as "Galamsey," two journalists have played a pivotal role in the arrest of three Chinese nationals engaged in illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimire Forest Reserve in the Samreboi district of the Western North Region.
The arrested individuals have been handed over to the Asankragua Police Division Command for further investigation.
The two presenters were on a mission to expose illegal mining operations in the Western and Western North Regions when they unexpectedly encountered Chinese nationals mining in the protected forest reserve.
Their investigation is part of a broader effort to uncover the influential figures behind illegal mining, despite President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's declared fight against "Galamsey."
Speaking on their findings, they expressed shock at the high levels of turbidity in the Tano River, which they attributed to the illegal mining activities occurring under the watch of the District Chief Executives and the District Police Commanders in the area.
They criticised local authorities for turning a blind eye to the situation and allowing the Chinese nationals to operate with impunity.
They emphasised that the extent of the river's pollution should serve as a wake-up call to officials, whose salaries are funded by taxpayers, yet they have failed to act.
They revealed that their ongoing investigation into the individuals behind the illegal mining operations will be aired to expose the corruption and environmental degradation being perpetrated in the name of gold mining.
They stated that they were motivated by the legal provision allowing citizens to effect arrests when authorities fail to do so.
They vowed to continue their efforts until the Chinese nationals are removed from the forest reserve, ensuring that the surrounding communities have access to clean water.
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They also issued a stern warning that they would be closely monitoring how the police handle the investigation involving the arrested individuals.
"We will not rest until the Chinese nationals are flushed out of the forest reserve so that the people who rely on the surrounding rivers can have clean water," they said.
The two journalists are Okatakyire Kwame Afrifa-Mensah and Kwame Appiah Kubi.
