A resident of the Akyemansa District in the Ofoase Ayirebi constituency has expressed concern over the increasing activities of illegal miners in surrounding communities.
Speaking on Ekosii Sen with host Philip Osei Bonsu, the resident, identified as Kweku, called on the government to urgently address the growing galamsey menace in the district.
According to him, residents often provide information to the Blue Water Guards about the locations of illegal mining operations. However, he claimed that when officials move to halt the activities, the miners allegedly claim they are working under the directives of the District Chief Executive.
Kweku also expressed worry about the state of the Pra River, a major source of drinking water for many communities in the district. He said the river has become heavily polluted due to illegal mining, particularly from the use of chemicals such as mercury.
He warned that the contamination of the river poses a serious threat to the health and livelihoods of residents who rely on it for their daily needs.
Kweku therefore appealed to the government and relevant authorities to take urgent action to address the situation and protect the environment and water bodies in the district.
