The District Chief Executive Officer of Prestea-Nsuta in the Western Region, where about 14 people died in a galamsey mining pit, has denied knowledge of any operations in the area. Mr. Mozart K. Owuh said he was unaware of such operations until information about the trapped miners emerged.
According to the DCE, the news of illegal mining in the area came as a surprise to him as efforts have been made to curb such activities.
"We never aware of galamsey in the area and I am even surprised there was something like though we conducted a search in the area recently,"he told Citi News.
Meanwhile, he said the incident is quite unfortunate but they are coordinating activities to ensure those who own the pit are brought to book for the appropriate punishment to be meted to them.
"I have instructed my District Police Commander and other security agencies to take up the issue and everything is currently under control,"he stated.
A total of 19 miners were said to have been trapped in the pit on Sunday following a heavy downpour, resulting in the death of the 14 persons.
Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Benito Owusu Bio, later visited the site in the company of a rescuing team to inspect the site.
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