Illegal Mine Closed Down

The Western Regional Minister, J. B. Aidoo, has ordered the immediate closure of Wester Mining Company, a small-scale mining company, for polluting the Ankobra River and for operating without a license.

The minister has also charged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minerals Commission to ensure that they conduct all scientific and technical processes necessary to protect the health and lives of residents in communities along the river which depend on it.

The Ankobra River serves communities such as Mayem, Nsuaem, Wiawso and Tumantu in the Nzema East District.

Addressing a press conference in Sekondi, Mr Aidoo said an EPA investigation and a subsequent report show that the company is operating illegally since its operational license expired about four years ago.

He said apart from using mercury and other chemicals to pollute the Ankobra River, the workers of the company dumped human and other waste into the river.

The minister said the action of the company poses grave danger to the health of the communities which depend on the Ankobra River as their source of drinking water.

He stressed that the REGSEC should be informed of any decision by the Minerals Commission on the renewal of Wester Mining Company’s licence.

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