The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Kwahu West, Tamimu Halidu, has issued a stern warning to illegal miners, popularly known as galamsey operators, to desist from returning to mining sites that have already been reclaimed by authorities.

The warning was delivered during an inspection tour of several rehabilitated mining sites within the municipality.

The MCE expressed concern over reports that some illegal miners are attempting to resume operations in areas that have undergone restoration.

According to Mr Halidu, the assembly, in collaboration with the Eastern Regional Security Council, traditional authorities including Odeefour Effah Opinamang III, and other key stakeholders, has invested substantial resources to restore lands and water bodies degraded by illegal mining activities.

He emphasised that any individual or group caught engaging in galamsey at reclaimed sites will face the full rigours of the law.

The MCE further appealed to traditional leaders, youth groups, and residents to actively support the fight against illegal mining by reporting suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

He noted that galamsey continues to pose serious threats to farmlands, water sources, and the overall health and livelihoods of residents within the municipality.

Meanwhile, the project contractor, Yaw Agyei, disclosed that the reclamation team faces significant challenges, as some residents mistakenly assume they are engaged in illegal mining.

He also appealed for additional financial support to enable the team to extend reclamation works to more affected sites.