World Rivers Day: Berekum residents call for stronger measures against galamsey and illegal logging

Residents in Berekum, Bono Region, are calling on the government to intensify the fight against illegal mining and other activities that threaten the country’s rivers and water bodies.
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‎The call comes as the world marks World Rivers Day, which raises awareness of the importance of rivers and the need to protect and sustainably manage them.
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‎The residents say the destruction of water bodies through illegal mining is not limited to the Bono Region, but is a growing concern across several parts of the country.
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‎They cite well-known rivers including the Tano, Ankobra, and other rivers in the region, which they say are facing increasing pressure from illegal mining activities and illegal logging
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‎According to the residents, some of these rivers once served as important sources of water for agricultural activities, supporting farmers who depended on them for irrigation and other farming needs.
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‎They warn that the continued destruction and pollution of these water bodies could have serious consequences for food production and food security, particularly if farmers lose reliable sources of water for agricultural activities.
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‎The residents further caution that declining agricultural productivity could contribute to shortages of food commodities and higher food prices, potentially worsening inflation if the situation is not addressed.
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‎Some also express concern about the environmental consequences, saying the destruction of vegetation along riverbanks through illegal mining and illegal logging leaves water bodies exposed to direct sunlight.
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‎They say the removal of trees and other vegetation along riverbanks contributes to the degradation of river ecosystems, increases exposure of water bodies to heat, and can undermine their ability to remain healthy and sustainable.
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‎The residents note that some of these rivers and water bodies were once used as practical examples in lessons for schoolchildren, helping them understand the importance of rivers and natural resources.
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‎They, however, say some of these water bodies have been so degraded that they are almost ceasing to exist, depriving future generations of both natural resources and important educational landmarks.
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‎The residents are therefore calling for stringent measures to reverse the trend.
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‎They want the government to strengthen enforcement against illegal mining and illegal logging, particularly within protected areas and along riverbanks.
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‎They are also calling for tougher sanctions against individuals and companies found destroying water bodies, while urging authorities to intensify monitoring of mining activities and ensure that existing environmental regulations are strictly enforced.
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‎The residents further want the government to establish and enforce wider buffer zones along rivers, undertake large-scale restoration and reforestation of degraded riverbanks, and support affected communities to adopt sustainable livelihoods.
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‎They believe the fight must also involve traditional authorities, local communities, security agencies, environmental regulators and the agricultural sector.
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‎The residents stress that protecting the country’s rivers is not only about preserving the environment but also safeguarding agriculture, food security, livelihoods and the wellbeing of future generations.
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‎They are therefore urging the government to treat the protection of water bodies as an urgent national priority before more rivers are permanently lost.
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