A polluted river
The Dwatoahene of Akim Pankese in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region, Nana Osei Kwadwo, has expressed concern over the increasing activities of illegal miners in the area, warning that the menace is putting the lives of school children, farmers and residents at risk.
According to him, illegal mining (galamsey) activities in and around Akim Pankese have intensified in recent months, leading to the destruction of farmlands, degradation of the environment and growing safety concerns among residents.
Speaking to DAILY GUIDE, Nana Osei Kwadwo disclosed that some illegal mining operators have moved close to the Akim Pankese Presbyterian School, creating fears for the safety of pupils and staff.
He said portions of land between Akim Pankese and Wromra have been affected by the activities, including areas near a major bridge and high-tension electricity installations.
“The situation is becoming alarming. Illegal miners are destroying cocoa farms and other agricultural lands that serve as the source of livelihood for many families in the area,” he stated.
The chief also alleged that some traditional sites used by elders for customary rites have not been spared from the activities of the illegal miners.
He warned that continued mining near electricity infrastructure could lead to accidents and other disasters if urgent action is not taken to stop the practice.
Nana Osei Kwadwo lamented that despite concerns raised by residents and traditional authorities, the illegal activities continue unabated, threatening both the environment and the future of the younger generation.
He noted that the Mponua Traditional Area, headed by the Paramount Chief, Nana Dr. Boakye Darkwah III, is made up of more than 40 communities whose chiefs owe allegiance to the traditional authority. He stressed that the effects of environmental degradation could have long-term consequences for the entire traditional area if the situation is not addressed.
According to him, efforts by traditional authorities led by Nana Dr. Boakye Darkwah III to discourage illegal mining activities and protect the environment have not achieved the desired results, as some operators continue to carry out their activities despite repeated concerns from residents.
The traditional leader therefore appealed to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, the Minerals Commission, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), security agencies and other stakeholders to take immediate steps to address the situation.
He stressed that protecting farmlands, water bodies and educational facilities from the effects of illegal mining should be a national priority.
Illegal mining continues to be a major environmental challenge in Ghana. Apart from destroying cocoa farms and other agricultural lands, galamsey activities have polluted several rivers and streams, degraded forest reserves and left behind dangerous pits that have claimed lives in many communities.
Environmental experts have also warned that the use of harmful chemicals in illegal mining poses serious health risks and threatens access to clean water for thousands of people.
Nana Osei Kwadwo therefore called for a coordinated response from government agencies, traditional authorities and local residents to safeguard the environment and secure the future of Akim Pankese and its surrounding communities.
FROM David Afum, Akim Pankese