The Chief of Kwahu Obomeng, Nana Effah Opramang III, has urged the government to implement a 24-hour security system to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

He observed that a key challenge in the fight against galamsey is the return of illegal miners after security officials have left—often at dawn or during off-hours—to continue their activities.

To address this persistent issue, the chief has called on the government to adopt its proposed 24-hour economy initiative as a strategic tool in the anti-galamsey effort. He asserted that a constant security presence is necessary to deter illegal miners.

Nana Effah Opramang III believes a new approach is vital.

“When security officers flush out illegal miners but do not remain at these locations, the miners will simply return at night to continue their work,” he stated. “Therefore, I am proposing that authorities implement a 24-hour security system where officers remain at their posts around the clock.

"We should have officers working in shifts, from dawn to dusk. That is the best approach. The fight against galamsey is difficult, but we can succeed if we use this strategy.”

The chief also supported the call for a state of emergency but cautioned that such a measure would fail without a round-the-clock security presence.

He maintained, “If you declare a state of emergency and don’t incorporate the 24-hour system, your fight will fail. I am still urging the government to ensure we have monitoring teams around at all times so that when the illegal miners come, there will be security personnel to drive them away.”