Dumansua Activities Are Legal Quarry Operations, Not Galamsey – NADMO and Forestry Commission Clarify

Dumansua Activities Are Legal Quarry Operations, Not Galamsey – NADMO and Forestry Commission Clarify

The Offinso South Directorate of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), led by Hon. Wiafe Mohammed, has dismissed recent reports alleging illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, in Dumansua, describing such claims as inaccurate and misleading.

According to Hon. Wiafe Mohammed, a thorough inspection of the area was conducted following the circulation of concerns among residents and on social media. The visit revealed that the site in question is not being used for illegal mining but rather for legitimate quarry operations, where sand-winning activities are ongoing and trucks frequently transport materials from the site.

He further explained that the company operating at the site has obtained all the necessary permits and approvals from the Minerals Commission of Ghana, making its operations fully compliant with regulatory requirements. In addition, the company has reportedly compensated members of the local community in line with established procedures.

Hon. Wiafe Mohammed emphasized the clear distinction between quarrying and illegal mining, noting that quarry activities are regulated and generally have far less environmental impact compared to galamsey operations, which are often destructive to water bodies and farmlands.

He therefore urged residents and the general public to verify information before making allegations, as misinformation can create unnecessary tension and damage the reputation of lawful businesses. He also used the opportunity to call on the quarry company to honour its commitment to the community, particularly its promise to construct a footbridge to improve access and safety for residents.

The NADMO Director stressed that collaboration between the company and the community is essential to ensure peaceful coexistence and promote sustainable development in the area.

Meanwhile, the Forestry Commission in Offinso has also refuted claims of illegal mining in Dumansua, stating that its monitoring teams have not identified any galamsey activities in the area.

The Commission acknowledged that viral images and videos circulating on social media prompted their investigation. However, after conducting checks, officials indicated that there was no evidence to support the allegations of illegal mining.

A representative of the Forestry Commission noted that while the issue had attracted public attention, it does not fall directly within their regulatory mandate to provide detailed commentary. The Commission has therefore directed further inquiries to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minerals Commission, which are responsible for overseeing mining-related activities.

The clarification comes at a time of heightened public concern over the environmental impact of mining activities across the country. The Forestry Commission reiterated its commitment to protecting Ghana’s forest reserves and natural resources, and encouraged citizens to report any suspicious or illegal activities to the appropriate authorities for prompt action.