Western Regional Minister Orders Immediate Action Over Illegal Mining Near Wassa Gyapa School.

The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has directed the Amenfi East Municipal Chief Executive and the Municipal Security Council to urgently identify the miner who allegedly operated just a few metres behind New Cooperative Academy at Wassa Gyapa and ensure the immediate reclamation of the degraded land.

The directive follows a viral video circulating on social media, showing alleged illegal mining activities dangerously close to the school premises and raising concerns over the safety of pupils.

The statement was made when the Chairman of the Western Regional Security Council and Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, visited the school to assess the situation firsthand and subsequently directed the Municipal Security Council to immediately track down the miners and reclaim the degraded land.

Mr. Nelson also issued a strong warning to individuals engaging in or contemplating similar illegal mining activities, while assuring parents and guardians of the safety and protection of the school children.

However, the Headteacher of New Cooperative Academy, Daniel Ndegoh, has dismissed claims that the activity is ongoing, explaining that the footage was recorded in November 2024.

According to school authorities, the mining site existed before the establishment of the school, although it was not as extensive as it appears today.

Mr. Ndegoh stated that the activity captured in the viral video dates back to November 2024.

The headteacher further explained that in 2023, the school authorities, the Municipal Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, the then Municipal Chief Executive, and the miner reached an agreement to ensure mining activities did not pose a threat to the school children.

He added that the miners have since vacated the area for about a year.

Story by Nana Fynn@W/R.