This follows a recent Multimedia report revealing that girls living in settler communities behind the Offin River are barred from crossing the water on Tuesdays due to traditional norms, forcing them to miss classes at Kyekyewere in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality.

In response, the Vice President has dispatched a fact-finding team led by her political advisor and Board Chairman of COCOBOD, Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, to assess the situation and initiate processes toward constructing a steel bridge over the Adwekwa Amaniampong (Offin) River.

Speaking on behalf of the Kyekyewere Chief, Nana Kwame Nipa, the Krontihene, Nana Agyekum Ntiamoah II, recounted the difficulties residents face because of the cultural prohibition and the absence of a bridge.

He noted that aside from disrupting education, the situation poses serious health risks, as pregnant women struggle to access health facilities due to dependence on unsafe wooden canoes.

The chiefs warmly welcomed the Vice President’s delegation and performed traditional rites, praying for support to secure the needed funds for the bridge. The team also visited Kyekyewere Senior High School, where they distributed sanitary pads to students and pledged additional supplies.

Dr. Ofosu Ampofo reaffirmed the Vice President’s commitment to promoting the welfare of girls and women. He assured the chiefs that government is determined to build the steel bridge and, in the interim, will provide safer fibre canoes with outboard motors to enhance transportation.

The Paramount Chief of the Denkyira Traditional Area, Odeefuo Boa Amponsem IV, praised the government and the Vice President for their intervention. He pledged the traditional council’s full cooperation when construction begins.

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Once a vital source of clean water and livelihood for the residents of Dunkwa-on-Offin, the river is now heavily polluted due to illegal mining, locally known as galamsey.

Despite ongoing efforts to combat these activities, the Dunkwahene lamented that the environmental damage and adverse effects on local livelihoods persist.

Speaking in an interview with Adom News’ Mohammed Radiu Dinn Rasko at his residence, the Dunkwahene expressed frustration about the slow pace of court proceedings following the arrest of suspects involved in the illegal mining operations and called for prompt and thorough investigations.

He underscored the need to hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions.

The chief also stressed the importance of preserving the Offin River for future generation and urged Ghanaians to adopt a new mindset to foster national development.

Okoforobour Obeng Nuako III believes the current mindset is hindering the progress of the nation, advocating for a culture of hard work, discipline, and patriotism among Ghanaians.

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The Minister stormed the area on Tuesday with military officers of Operation Halt II to carry out the exercise following reports of illegal mining activities on the Offin River in the Western Region.

Also present at the operation aimed at reminding the illegal miners of the government’s uncompromising and unshakeable stance against illegal mining was the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Martin Ayisi.

After receiving a detailed briefing from the Commander of the Military team, Brigadier Amoah Ayisi, on operations made so far by his team since Sunday, when they moved to the site, Mr Duker warned that government will not take its feet off the pedal until the canker of galamsey is nipped in the bud.

He assured that all waterbodies in the country will enjoy permanent protection from the personnel of the Ghana Armed Officers.

The Minister said the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission are aware of the complex nature of the galamsey war but is not worried as it has the total support of President Akufo-Addo and Ghanaians to protect the country’s waterbodies.

“Since Sunday, they’ve been patrolling Offin and Ankobra making sure they arrest these recalcitrant miners who have been destroying our waterbodies. It is very unfortunate that out of greed, people are destroying the heritage and future of this country. It is very unfortunate that despite the government’s efforts, people are still doing this.

“It is sad that people are mining in a river body without any shred of responsibility of being a Ghanaian. I want to commend the military for all the work they’ve done. So far, they have burnt over 900 equipment and it shows the incredible work they’ve done,” he said.

He further charged Ghanaians to be wary of the danger of illegal mining and assist the government deal with the canker, adding it is a civic and patriotic duty to help the government win the war against illegal mining.

He stated that the new measures announced by the Minerals Commission which give details about the permanent patrolling of the waterbodies by the Operation Halt III team will go a long way in helping the government eradicate illegal mining.