Nkawie: Chief Superintendent Vitus Napem, Nkawie Divisional Police Commander, has advised the youth to value their lives and desist from acts that could ruin or truncate their lives. Addressing community members at Mpasatia in the Atwima Mponua District, following the death of two illegal miners at a galamsay site near the community, he emphasized that illegal mining is not only a crime but also a significant danger, posing a fatal threat to many young people in Ghana.
According to Ghana News Agency, illegal mining sites are considered crime scenes that should be avoided, as individuals involved could face arrest, prosecution, or even untimely death. Napem appealed to youths interested in mining to pursue lawful methods, ensuring they could live longer and enjoy the benefits of their labor. He urged patience as the government prepares to implement new arrangements and directives for small-scale mining, involving community leaders and a decentralized licensing regime with appropriate regulation and safety precautions by the Minerals Commission.
Napem, accompanied by police officers and officials from the District Assembly, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Minerals Commission, and the media, visited the incident scene to evaluate the search party's efforts. The search party did not find any casualties besides the bodies of 52-year-old Kwame Charles and 45-year-old Ben, alias Morale, which were discovered earlier.
Mr. Rabby Otuo Acheampong, the District NADMO Director, praised the search party's diligence, which helped alleviate community fears of additional casualties. He urged community members, particularly the youth, to heed the Divisional Commander's advice and prioritize their safety over dangerous pursuits for financial gain.
