|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Residents of Denkyira Akrofuom in the Upper Denkyira West District of the Central Region are living in fear as illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, continue to wreak havoc on the environment, blocking major waterways and roads linking several communities.
The situation has sparked concerns over the possibility of severe flooding during the rainy season, while also affecting transportation, farming activities, and access to education.
Residents say illegal miners have heavily degraded the area, leaving behind large pits and heaps of sand that have obstructed streams and drainage channels.
According to them, several roads connecting Akrofuom to surrounding communities have become impassable due to the activities of the miners.
They lamented that farmlands have been destroyed,leading to significant losses of food crops and cash crops.
Farmers in the area say they have invested heavily in their farms only to see their livelihoods threatened by the destruction caused by illegal mining.
The residents warned that with waterways blocked, any heavy rainfall could result in devastating floods that may destroy homes, farmlands, and public infrastructure.
School children have also been affected by the situation, as many are unable to use the damaged roads to commute to school.
Some parents say they are forced to keep their children at home whenever it rains heavily due to fears for their safety.
Speaking to the media, the Nimfahene of Akrofuom, Nana Kobina Nyarko, expressed deep concern over the growing menace of illegal mining in the area.
He noted that despite several complaints and reports to the authorities, the activities continue unabated.
The chief called on the government to intensify efforts to clamp down on illegal mining operations and protect the environment from further destruction.
According to Nana Kobina Nyarko, personnel from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and other anti-galamsey security task forces have on several occasions visited the affected sites.
However, he alleged that little action is taken after arrests are made, allowing the illegal miners to return and continue their activities.
He therefore appealed to the government to deploy more security personnel,including the military and other law enforcement agencies, to permanently halt the operations of illegal miners in the area.
The Upper Denkyira West Constituency Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Mr.Peter Boamah Mensah also joined calls for urgent government intervention.
He questioned why the illegal mining activities continue despite numerous complaints and security operations in the area.
According to him, there appears to be powerful individuals backing the operations,making it difficult for security agencies to effectively enforce the law.
He called for a thorough investigation into the matter and urged the authorities to hold all persons found culpable accountable.
Residents are therefore appealing to the government, environmental agencies, and security authorities to act swiftly before the situation escalates into a major disaster that could endanger lives and property.
Story by Yaw Boagyan