Traditional authorities of Dadieso in the Suaman area of the Western North Region have appealed to the government to permanently station a National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) task force along the Bia River.
According to Adom Online, the chiefs made the appeal during an engagement with NAIMOS officials in the Suaman District, where they raised concern about the increasing destruction of the river by illegal miners.
The chiefs said Dadieso borders Côte d'Ivoire, and that relatives across the border have complained about pollution of the river, which affects communities on both sides.
NAIMOS Director of Operations, Colonel Kwame Sam Appiah, acknowledged the cross-border challenge. He said that when NAIMOS personnel pursue illegal miners, suspects often flee into Ivorian territory, and that when Ivorian authorities pursue them, they cross back into Ghana.
Adom Online separately reported that Colonel Appiah warned illegal miners that the Secretariat would deal decisively with offenders as it intensifies its crackdown in the area.
No arrests were reported in connection with the engagement, and government has not responded publicly to the request.