Some concerned citizens of Asiakwa in the Abuakwa South District in the Eastern Region have expressed worries about the increasing rate of illegal mining in the community and its surroundings.

In this regard, the community is urging the government, through the Eastern Regional Minister, Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awate, to take effective action against illegal mining activities, which have far-reaching consequences for their environment, health, and economy.

Illegal mining, often known as galamsey, has devastated forests, contaminated rivers, and displaced communities in several areas of Ghana, including the Eastern Region.

Despite the efforts to curb illegal mining activities in the area, some miners continue to operate covertly, continue to escalate and pose a threat to the local environment, particularly around river sites such as Supon, Twafuo, and Akoosi.

Addressing the media at a press briefing held at Asiakwa, the spokesperson for the concerned citizens of Asiakwa, Tweneboa Kodua, expressed worry about the illegal mining operations in the area.

He sounded a clarion call for urgent and collective action against what he describes as “environmental terrorism” caused by illegal mining activities across Ghana.

Mr Tweneboa Kodua urged the relevant authorities to collaborate to halt these illegal mining activities.
He said that, as concerned citizens, they hold sacred responsibility over their lands and called on the youth to rise above self-interest and preserve the forests, rivers, and heritage.

Some farmers, market women, drivers, and other indigenes at Asiakwa also sounded the alarm over the devastating impact of illegal mining activities in the area.

They indicated that rivers are dying, and the children are being robbed of their future. They called on government institutions to enforce stricter laws, intensify public education, and invest in sustainable livelihood programs to reduce the economic dependence on illegal mining.

Report by: Paul Manyo, Eastern Region