Galamsey has turned River Ayensu into a toxic, ice cream-like substance, making it unusable for drinking, cooking, and bathing, farming in Asuokaw, a community in the Eastern Region. Over 700 delegates are voting to elect the party's regional executives at the ongoing NPP Eastern Regional elections on August 15.
Residents' Plea Falls on Deaf Ears
Residents of Asuokaw in the Eastern Region lament over the current state of River Ayensu, which has been severely polluted by galamsey activities. The river, once a reliable source of clean water, is now a toxic, ice cream-like substance, making it unusable for drinking, cooking, and bathing, farming.
Galamsey activities have seen the pollution of many water sources that feed Ghana's taps, causing a threat to water supply and treatment processes. The situation is dire, and residents are calling for immediate government intervention to address the issue.
Government's Inaction Condemned
The latest concerns come from Berekum, where residents have joined calls for immediate government intervention following growing fears over the destruction of farmlands and pollution of water bodies. Residents in communities including Benkasa and Amomaso say illegal mining activities have severely polluted their water sources, threatening access to clean water and putting farming livelihoods at risk.
Recent reports also indicate that residents and local stakeholders have intensified their demands for action to address the environmental degradation caused by galamsey activities. However, some senior officials in the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) said they did not expect a major crackdown, as many of their supporters in mining districts were involved in galamsey – and the party could not risk losing their votes in the December general election.
Environmental Destruction on an Epic Scale
The popularity of galamsey was borne out by a survey conducted by WaterAid in communities involved in illegal mining in Ghana's Upper East Region, particularly the Bongo and Bawku West districts. Communities along the river have been affected, with residents facing severe health risks due to the contamination of their water sources.
According to USAID and local health officials, the Pra, Ankobra, Birim, and Offin rivers, which locals once relied on for their daily water needs, are now heavily contaminated with mercury and cyanide. These deadly chemicals can linger in the environment for more than 1,000 years, posing a significant threat to the health and livelihoods of residents.
The Consequences of Inaction
The state water utility recently raised alarms that at the current rate of environmental contamination, Ghana would need to [CONFIRM: take drastic measures to address the issue]. The consequences of inaction are dire, with residents facing severe health risks and livelihoods being threatened by the pollution of their water sources.
The situation in the Eastern Region is a stark reminder of the need for immediate action to address the environmental degradation caused by galamsey activities. The government must take responsibility for ensuring that the rights of residents to clean water and a healthy environment are protected.
The fate of River Ayensu and the residents of Asuokaw hangs in the balance. Will the government finally take action to address the environmental degradation caused by galamsey activities, or will the situation continue to deteriorate? Only time will tell.
Source: 3News
