Member of Parliament for Ahanta West, Mavis Kuukua Bissue, has raised alarm over the devastating impact of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, on water bodies in the constituency, describing the situation as dire and worsening.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, the MP said although efforts are being made to address several challenges confronting the area, illegal mining remains one of the biggest threats to the environment and livelihoods of residents.
“By God’s grace, we are doing our best in Ahanta West. The rain is causing some challenges; improper waste disposal, bad roads and the galamsey is also another menace,” she said.
According to her, authorities continue to battle the growing problem, but the situation remains difficult as many residents involved in illegal mining cite unemployment as their reason for engaging in the activity.
“We are doing our best to tackle it but it is not easy and it keeps getting worse. The excuse of the people is that there are no jobs,” she stated.
Madam Bissue revealed that government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, is working to expand cooperative mining initiatives to create legal employment opportunities while bringing mining activities under proper regulation.
“With the help of the Lands Minister, we are trying to launch more of the cooperative mining so we can push a lot of people there and regulate them,” she explained.
However, she noted that progress has been slow because some miners are unwilling to wait for the official rollout of the programme.
“People are stubborn and lack patience although plans are underway for the launch. So by the time you realize, they have gone back to pollute the water,” she lamented.
The MP painted a grim picture of the state of water bodies in Ahanta West, saying pollution from illegal mining has severely affected access to clean water and damaged aquatic life.
“There is no safe water in Ahanta West, and the situation is bad. At the moment, the water has been polluted, and you can’t even find fishes in it,” she said.
She said she was deeply saddened after personally visiting some of the affected rivers and streams recently.
“I was sad when I visited the water bodies. The situation is bad,” she added.
Madam Bissue pledged her full support for efforts being undertaken by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah to address the illegal mining menace and restore degraded water bodies.
“I have pledged to support everything the Lands Minister is doing to salvage the situation,” she said.
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