The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has vowed to press on with its nationwide clampdown on illegal mining despite a violent attack on its en
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has vowed to press on with its nationwide clampdown on illegal mining despite a violent attack on its enforcement team and accompanying journalists during an operation in the Ashanti Region.
The incident occurred at Dadwen, near Obuasi, where EPA officers enforcing the ban on changfan machines and other illegal mining activities were ambushed by armed men suspected to be guarding an unlawful site. The team made a tactical retreat to avoid casualties, but one of their vehicles was later involved in an accident, injuring three EPA officers and five journalists from Channel One TV, Joy TV, Adom TV, and TV3. All eight victims are receiving medical treatment.
EPA Chief Executive Officer, Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, condemned the attack, stressing that it would not weaken the Authority’s determination to safeguard the environment. “This attack is proof that our enforcement efforts are yielding results. It will not deter us. We remain committed to protecting Ghana’s natural resources with even greater resolve,” she stated.
The EPA assured the public that investigations are underway to identify and prosecute those responsible. The Authority also acknowledged the swift response from security agencies and the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology in supporting the affected personnel.
Environmental analysts note that the attack highlights growing tensions between state enforcers and illegal miners as authorities intensify efforts to curb environmental destruction caused by galamsey.
Reaffirming its stance, the EPA called for public collaboration to help restore Ghana’s rivers, forests, and farmlands. “Protecting the environment is protecting Ghana’s future,” the statement concluded.