River Ankobra Ni3…it looks like tea. —

GEAG Urges Government to Act

The Ghana Environmental Advocacy Group (GEAG) has called on the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to take decisive action to stop illegal mining (galamsey) activities in the Ankobra River, particularly in the Gwira area.

Severe Pollution Threatens Water Bodies and Marine Life

According to the group, the rapid pollution of the Ankobra River due to chemical contamination and alluvial deposits from illegal mining is causing severe environmental damage. The destruction of water bodies and the harmful effects on marine species require urgent intervention from the government.

GEAG Convenor Calls for Drastic Measures

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) after visiting several communities along the Ankobra River in Gwira, Madam Elizabeth Allua Vaah, Convenor of GEAG, urged the government to take bold steps in clamping down on illegal miners and those engaged in irresponsible mining.

She stated that galamsey activities in the Ankobra River are the primary cause of the river’s pollution, and she expressed concern that toxic chemicals from these activities are flowing into the sea at Ankobra, contaminating marine life and possibly poisoning fish stocks.

Rising Concerns Over Polluted Seaweed and Fish Consumption

Madam Allua Vaah linked the high metal content of the Sargassum seaweed that has invaded the coastline to galamsey pollution, raising alarm over the potential health risks.

“If the seaweeds are this polluted, how much more are the fish that people consume daily?”

She lamented that the government appears powerless in its fight against galamsey in Ghana’s river bodies.

Call for Awareness on Health Impacts of Galamsey

The Convenor of GEAG also urged the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and the Ghana Health Service to educate the public on the long-term health consequences of illegal mining and its impact on drinking water sources and food safety.

Assembly Member Condemns Ongoing Galamsey Activities

The Assembly Member for Gwira-Dominase, Mr. James Akpor, strongly condemned ongoing galamsey operations in several communities along the Ankobra River.

He identified the following communities as hotspots for illegal mining:

• Awolezo
• Amgbrazee
• Duale
• Betenase
• Gwira-Banso
• Tumandu

According to Mr. Akpor, the Western Regional Minister, Mr. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, and the galamsey task force recently visited the area but failed to make any arrests as the illegal miners had changed their tactics.

Galamsey Operators Evading Arrest

Mr. Akpor explained that galamsey operators have developed new strategies to evade law enforcement.

• Sinking their boats into the river and hiding when they hear of patrols.
• Operating mainly at night, making it difficult for authorities to catch them.

Impact on Local Communities

The galamsey menace has severely impacted communities along the Ankobra River.

• Residents no longer have access to clean drinking water and now rely on sachet water, which has become an additional financial burden.
• Environmental degradation is worsening, threatening livelihoods and public health.

Community Mobilization Against Galamsey

In an effort to combat illegal mining, Mr. Akpor recently mobilized local youth to destroy some of the galamsey sites.

Government’s Response

When contacted, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. George Mireku Duker, told GNA:

“We’ve been notified, and our men are on the ground to do the needful.”

However, with illegal mining continuing unchecked, environmental groups and community leaders remain skeptical and are demanding immediate and decisive action to protect Ghana’s water bodies.