Illegal mining activities polluting the Ankobra River in Gwira Ampansie
Residents of Gwira Ampansie in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region have described government’s fight against illegal mining (galamsey) in the area as woefully inadequate.
They asserted that their farmlands and water bodies are continuously being destroyed and polluted by illegal miners.
The Divisional Chief of Gwira Ampansie, Nana Kojo Mensah II, has therefore called on the anti-illegal mining task force to intensify its operations in the farming community.
He also appealed to the Minerals Commission and other stakeholders to conduct thorough investigations before issuing mining licences to prospective miners.
He alleged that some of the miners are operating under the guise of small-scale companies but are engaged in galamsey.
According to the chief, in 2024, a small-scale mining company arrived in the community with only a prospecting licence.
“When we asked for their required Environmental Protection Agency permit, which authorises actual mining, the company refused to provide it.
“They went ahead with their operations and have destroyed vast acres of farmland in the area,” he lamented.
He said travelling from Simpa Junction to Gwira Dominase, one could see and hear changfan machines (used for galamsey activities) operating on farmlands.
The chief disclosed that the Gwira Ampansie community produces a significant amount of cocoa and other food crops from the Western Region, adding, “But now our fertile farmlands have been captured by illegal miners.”
He said despite years of continuous contribution to the nation’s development through food production, the area lacks motorable roads.
He disclosed that the road from Simpa Junction, which links the Ellembelle District, is riddled with potholes, so the only means of transportation are motorbikes.
A resident, Angu Mensah, corroborated what the chief said and added that the mining company resorted to the use of “machomen” before they were able to send their mining equipment to the site.
“Our chief did all that he could to stop the miners from operating, but the company just kept saying they had their papers,” he added.
“Go to the site now, and you will see most of their workers are Chinese nationals. We know our chief has never approved of any land for illegal mining. We are appealing to the minister and the security personnel to intervene,” he noted.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi