The Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Assembly hosted students
from the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), Junior Division, as part of their Environmental Study Tour on illegal mining and sustainable development on Tuesday, 23rd September 2026.
The engagement, held at the Municipal Assembly Hall, brought together the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Ebenezer Cobbinah, Management of the Assembly, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Heads of Departments and the visiting military team.
In his welcome address, the MCE welcomed the team to Tarkwa-Nsuaem and noted that environmental challenges, particularly illegal mining (galamsey), cut across municipalities and regions and require collaborative research and solutions. He commended the College for choosing Tarkwa-Nsuaem for the study.
The main presentation was delivered by the Municipal Planning Officer (MPO), Mad. Amanda Adjei, who took participants through six thematic areas guiding the study:
- Environmental Degradation
- Water Pollution
- Forest Protection
- Socio-Economic Impact
- Health and Sanitation
- Governance and Regulation
She highlighted the effects of galamsey on farmlands, water bodies including River Bonsa, forest reserves, livelihoods, public health and local governance, emphasizing that the six thematic areas are interlinked and must be addressed holistically.
The presentation was followed by an interactive questions and answers session where participants discussed reclamation challenges, community participation in forest protection, local resource mobilization, water body protection measures and health monitoring systems.
In his closing remarks, the MCE expressed gratitude to the team, noting that their findings would support the Assembly’s efforts in the fight against illegal mining.
On behalf of the team, the student representative thanked the Assembly for the warm reception and insightful engagement, and presented citations of appreciation to the MCE, Municipal Coordinating Director, MPO and the Assistant Development Planning Officer for their support.
Field Observation
After the indoor session, the team embarked on a field visit to Dompim Illegal Mining Site to observe firsthand the extent of land degradation caused by illegal mining activities.
They also visited AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mines where Management briefed the team on sustainable large-scale mining practices, reclamation and rehabilitation efforts, and community social interventions including health and education support. The engagement provided a practical contrast between regulated mining and illegal mining operations.
The Assembly appreciates the collaboration with GAFCSC and reaffirms its commitment to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development in the municipality.