The Jema Anti-Galamsey Advocacy (JAGA) Watch Committee has officially grown. On Thursday, September 3, 2026, our community took a major leap forward in the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) and local crime by inaugurating six new watch committee members at the Jema Community Centre.
The new volunteers were officially sworn in by the Enchi District Commander of Police, Chief Superintendent Augustine Kweku Mensah. This crucial expansion brings JAGA’s total active volunteer force to 20 dedicated individuals, including three brave women standing on the frontline of environmental protection.
🌟 Jema: An Exceptional Model of Environmental Resilience
During the ceremony, Chief Supt. Augustine Mensah highly commended the people of Jema and the members of JAGA for their unwavering determination to protect our lands and water bodies. He described Jema as an exceptional community within the Aowin Municipality.
While many neighbouring areas have suffered devastating environmental degradation from galamsey, Jema has successfully kept its rivers pristine. Thanks to the community’s collective vigilance, our families continue to enjoy clean, fresh water and a rich supply of aquatic resources like crabs, lobsters, and fish.
However, the District Commander reminded everyone of the severe human cost of illegal mining elsewhere. He revealed that in galamsey-afflicted areas, hardly a week passes without a tragic report of someone drowning in an abandoned mining pit. He urged the people of Jema to remain vigilant and fiercely protect the gains we have made.
🛡️ A Stronger Partnership with Law Enforcement
The JAGA Watch Committee functions as an auxiliary support structure to the Police, working hand-in-hand with personnel stationed right here in Jema.
Moving forward, our committee’s responsibilities will extend beyond monitoring illegal mining. Volunteers will also assist the police in tackling other threats to peace and order, including:
- The use and trafficking of hard drugs
- Armed robbery and theft
- Unlawful motorbike riding
- General public indiscipline
Chief Supt. Mensah strictly cautioned the public against assaulting or interfering with Watch Committee members while they carry out their duties, warning that the Police will deal severely with any offenders. On the other hand, the Commander also admonished the Watchdog to operate within the confines of the law.
⚠️ “Crime Has No Expiry Date”
Addressing a recent, cowardly incident where a JAGA billboard was burned down, the District Commander sent a clear message to the perpetrators: criminal offences do not expire with time. He warned potential lawbreakers against attempting further acts of arson, especially now that the billboard has been proudly re-erected.
He also challenged the dangerous mindset among some local youth that galamsey is the only path to financial survival, urging parents to actively guide their children away from illegal mining sites.
⚖️ Update on Recent Galamsey Arrests
When asked about the recent arrest of 13 individuals caught mining illegally by the Forestry Rapid Response Team and JAGA, Chief Supt. Mensah assured the public that the High Court is handling the matter in strict accordance with the law and respecting the rights of the accused.
He reiterated that neither JAGA nor the Police will relent in prosecuting individuals who threaten our environment and community safety.
Chief Supt. Mensah concluded by praising Jema’s exemplary collaboration with law enforcement, expressing his hope that other communities across Ghana will emulate Jema’s unity to safeguard peace, security, and the environment.
💚 Join the Fight!
Jema stays clean because its people stand together. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our 20 watch volunteers who risk their safety to keep our water fresh and our streets safe.
Want to support JAGA’s mission? Share this article, report suspicious activities to local authorities, or leave a message of encouragement for our volunteers in the comments below!
By Friar Joseph Kwame Blay