Western Region Security Express Concern Over Lawlessness

Sekondi (Western Region), 12 Nov.,

The Western Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has expressed concern about the recent spate of lawlessness, particularly in the Wassa West district. It cited threats and, in some cases, violent assaults on both Ghanaian and expatriate staff of mining companies operating in certain parts of the region. A press release issued today by the REGSEC said there have been instances where operations of the Ghana Railway Corporation (GRC) have been threatened and passengers attacked at Amantin. It said road blocks set up at Bawdie to facilitate "galamsey'' activities along the main Bawdie route has culminated in the recent brutal assault of the personnel manager of a foreign company working for Ashanti Goldfields Company Ghana Limited. The release said there are reports of other planned violent actions by 'galamsey' operators all aimed at disrupting the operations of the company. ''The REGSEC cannot allow such acts of lawlessness to continue as it will send negative signals to investors that the region is not safe for investment''. It said the REGSEC is determined to flush out all illegal galamsey operators from the area to ensure safety of life and property in the area. ''All galamsey operators in the region, particularly in the Wassa west district, are warned to cease their illegal operations forthwith or face the full rigours of the law,'' the release said.