The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, Ebenezer Cobbinah, has renewed his commitment to the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, following a recent operation to protect the Bonsa River from further pollution.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Cobbinah revealed that intelligence reports indicated illegal miners were operating along the Bonsa River, prompting the assembly to deploy its 11-member “Blue Waterguards” taskforce to the site.
“We mobilised a team and moved in immediately because mining on our water bodies is a direct threat to our survival. If we sit back and watch, what will we drink?” he questioned.
The MCE explained that although no arrests were made as the miners fled upon seeing the taskforce, several machines used for the operations were seized and destroyed to prevent their return.
He also commended the Member of Parliament for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, Sheikh Issah Salifu, for providing logistical support to sustain the taskforce’s operations, noting that government alone cannot win the fight without local collaboration.
“This menace didn’t start today. There have been a series of operations, even my predecessor took similar actions, but we must keep going until we end it,” Mr. Cobbinah stressed.
He further urged residents to rally behind the campaign to safeguard water bodies, warning that failure to act now would have dire consequences for future generations.
Source: Gertrude Otchere
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