The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has directed the Amenfi East Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) and the Municipal Security Council to urgently identify the miner who allegedly operated just a few metres behind New Cooperative Academy at Wassa Gyapa, and to ensure the immediate reclamation of the degraded land.

The directive follows a viral video circulating on social media, which shows alleged illegal mining activities dangerously close to the school premises and has raised concerns about the safety of pupils.

The statement was made after the Chairman of the Western Regional Security Council and Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, visited the school to assess the situation firsthand. He then instructed the Municipal Security Council to immediately track down the miners and reclaim the degraded land.

Mr Nelson also issued a strong warning to individuals engaging in, or considering, similar illegal mining activities, while assuring parents and guardians of the safety and protection of the school children.

"We're relieved that, this thing that you see it going round, is not something current, something that has been happening over the last year that we've been in office but is still a concern to me that a mining company whether legal or illegal we'll operate as close as this to any settlement.

"And so, even though currently that no activity there i have directed that the ... that has been left there be filled immediately and so the District Commander together with the MCE we're going to ensure whoever did this is found , brought to site and made to correct this problem that has been created," he assured.