Illegal mining continues to severely damage major water bodies in the Atwima Mponua District of Ashanti region despite several government-backed anti illegal mining operations (anti-galamsey) operations particularly on river bodies in the area.
This development in the district has compel National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association (NCSMAG) Anti-Galamsey Task Force to storm the area to crackdown on mining activities along the River Offin, targeting communities including Adiembra, Bontomroso, Adobewora, Aniamoa, and Ntobroso.
The once-clear River Offin has turned murky after years of illegal mining, with its natural turbidity replaced by thick, polluted water.
The river’s deteriorating condition has raised health and environmental concerns among residents and local authorities.
Armed with speedboats, the task force has been patrolling the river to locate and dismantle unauthorized mining sites.
During its latest operation, several illegal miners fled, abandoning their champhine (floating dredging machines), which were later destroyed.
President of the Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association, Michael Kwadwo Perah, disclosed that more than 100 dredging machines were destroyed during operations conducted between November 3 and 10.
“The National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association is supporting the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the President in the fight against illegal mining on water bodies,” he said. “Our operations in communities along the Offin River led to the destruction of over 100 of these terrifying machines. The results are already visible in the improved color of the river.”
Kwadwo Perah added that the Association is also educating its members, community residents, and miners on the dangers of mining in water bodies and the need to differentiate licensed small-scale mining from illegal operations.
He emphasized that the machines destroyed were not owned by licensed miners but by individuals operating unlawfully on the river.
Local residents have also been assisting the task force by providing information on illegal miners’ hideouts.
Community members in Ntobroso, led by Michael Awuah, praised the task force for dismantling what they described as “deadly camps” that had taken over the river.
The Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association says it remains committed to supporting the government’s efforts to eradicate illegal mining and restore Ghana’s polluted rivers to their natural state.
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Source: www.kumasimail.com
