Alexander Akwasi Acquah, MP for Akyem Oda
The Member of Parliament for Akyem Oda, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has called for greater accountability in the fight against illegal mining following the arrest of three persons engaged in galamsey activities at Asomdwe, along the Birim River in the Birim Central Municipality of the Eastern Region.
The three suspects were arrested during an anti-galamsey operation as authorities intensified efforts to curb illegal mining, which continues to threaten Ghana’s water bodies and the environment.
Speaking to the media after the operation, Mr. Acquah commended the security agencies for their swift action but urged them to sustain the crackdown to prevent illegal miners from returning to the area.
He also called on the government to strengthen enforcement measures and impose stiffer sanctions on offenders, arguing that tougher punishment would serve as a deterrent and help protect the country’s natural resources.
Accountability
While welcoming the latest arrests, the MP raised concerns about the handling of a previous anti-galamsey operation carried out on November 16, 2025, at an illegal mining site near the Water Treatment Plant on the Birim River.
According to Mr. Acquah, three suspects identified as Mawuli, Yeboah and Adamu were arrested during that operation and several mining equipment were seized.
He alleged that the manner in which the case was subsequently handled undermined efforts to prosecute those involved, resulting in the release of the suspects without prosecution.
The MP further claimed that the seized mining equipment was not preserved as evidence to support investigations, a situation he believes compromised the case and weakened the fight against illegal mining.
Mr. Acquah said effective enforcement must go beyond arrests, stressing that offenders must be successfully prosecuted if the country’s campaign against galamsey is to achieve lasting results.
He called on the relevant authorities to ensure transparency, accountability and strict adherence to due process in all anti-galamsey operations, saying public confidence in the fight against illegal mining depends on consistent enforcement and successful prosecution of offenders.
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