Amenfi West MCE Hon. Priscilla Yorke Issues Ultimatum to Illegal Miners Following Galamsey Site Visit

Hon. Priscilla Yorke, the newly elected Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Amenfi West, has taken decisive action in her commitment to combating illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” within the municipality. Demonstrating her proactive approach, Hon. Yorke personally embarked on an exploratory visit to a galamsey site in Wassa Dunkwa to gather firsthand information regarding the extent and impact of illegal mining activities.

During her visit to Wassa Dunkwa on Monday, 21st April 2025, Hon. Yorke uncovered an active illegal mining operation situated in the heart of the town. Adding to the severity of the situation, she discovered that the activities of the illegal miners had resulted in the blockage of a vital waterway, further exacerbating the environmental damage.

Acting in her capacity as the MCE and with the determination to achieve the presidential vision of eradicating galamsey, Hon. Yorke issued a firm ultimatum to the illegal miners. She instructed them to cease their operations and evacuate the area before Friday, April 25, 2025. Hon. Yorke warned that failure to comply with this directive would result in a drastic enforcement approach, where illegal miners would face the full force of the law.

Addressing members of the media following her visit, Hon. Yorke reiterated her commitment to enforcing regulations and protecting the environment. She issued a stern warning to all illegal miners who have encroached upon forest areas or are engaged in mining activities in water bodies, urging them to evacuate these locations immediately to avoid facing severe legal consequences. Her decisive stance underscores her determination to eradicate illegal mining within Amenfi West and uphold the principles of environmental sustainability and responsible resource management.