The Chief of Effutu, Nai Ghartey VII, has called for an immediate halt to illegal mining operations upstream of the Ayensu River, a vital water source for multiple districts in the Central Region.
Pollution of the Ayensu River is severely compromising the water supply, while fishing and agricultural activities are also being negatively affected across the region, the Chief warned. He therefore urged the adoption of urgent and coordinated measures to address the issue.
Over 10 districts in the Central Region have faced a significant water crisis in recent months, following the closure of Ghana Water Limited’s Kwanyako headworks due to excessive siltation of the raw water source.
This closure compelled authorities to implement a temporary pumping system in the shallower areas of the dam, leading to an unreliable water supply.
While the Winneba headworks continue to operate, residents in the Effutu Municipality have been receiving visibly polluted water.
Officials attribute these issues to illegal mining activities in the Eastern Region, which are occurring upstream of the previously unspoiled Ayensu River.
During his address at the 30th graduation ceremony of the University of Education, Winneba, Nai Ghartey VII conveyed his profound concern regarding the situation. He recognised the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining but expressed dismay over the ongoing harm to water supply, agriculture, fishing, and marine ecosystems.
He emphasised the necessity for more robust, decisive, and collaborative actions, especially from the government.
“It jeopardises our food security, public health, natural environment, and the very future we are obligated to safeguard for the generations to come,” he stated.
Professor Jobson Mitchual, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, affirmed the institution’s dedication to supporting the fight against this issue through evidence-based research.
“As a scholarly community, we shall persist in offering research-driven insights, constructive criticism, and significant contributions to aid the national effort against galamsey,” he remarked.
The Central Regional Minister, Eduamoah Okyere Ekow Panyin, also voiced his concerns regarding the effects of illegal mining on districts that were previously free from galamsey in the eastern part of the region. He suggested that, were it not for procedural limitations, he would have taken more direct actions to address the problem.
Despite the difficulties, he remains optimistic.
“We express our gratitude to God for being nearly there. We have succeeded in removing those who are damaging our water bodies,” he declared.
