The illegal mining community known as ‘Dollar Power' in the Bole District of the Savannah Region has become a hotbed for criminal activities, posing a significant threat to the Bui Power Generating Station (BPGS). The Bui Power Authority (BPA), which manages the BGS in the Banda District of the Bono Region, has urged surrounding communities to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect this national asset.
Mr. Samuel Kofi Dzamesi, the Chief Executive Officer of the BPA, emphasized the importance of community support in combating criminal elements. He called on residents to provide relevant information to the military to help drive away criminals engaging in illegal activities around the dam's enclave. With the increasing threat of terrorism from the Sahel Region, swift action is needed to safeguard the dam and its surroundings.
Investing $1 million into the construction of a Forward Operating Base (FOB), the BPA aims to establish a secure logistical hub and command centre for military operations in the area. This facility will house personnel, equipment, and infrastructure necessary to ensure the safety and security of the Bui enclave.
Mr Dzamesi highlighted the strategic importance of the FOB in enhancing security around the dam, especially given its proximity to the border. In addition to improving security, the FOB represents a significant contribution to the BPA's corporate social responsibility efforts, including job creation and economic growth in the region.
Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr. Kofi Amankwa-Manu, expressed gratitude to the BPA for their efforts in protecting the national asset. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the FOB and adhering to military protocols to ensure its effective operation.
Madam Justina Owusu-Banahene, the Bono Regional Minister, called for peaceful coexistence among residents to facilitate development in the area. Nana Kwadwo Wuo II, the Chief of Bui, also commended the BPA for its role in promoting development in the region.
Overall, the establishment of the FOB demonstrates a collaborative effort between the BPA, the military, and local communities to safeguard the Bui Power Generating Station and ensure the safety and security of the surrounding area.