A crisis is unfolding in Konongo, Ashanti Region, as illegal mining activities increasingly threaten a major water source, sparking outrage among local residents.
Active mining operations along the main Kumasi-Accra highway are polluting the Owere River, a critical water supply for Konongo and its surrounding communities.
Excavators and other heavy machinery are being operated alarmingly close to homes, churches, and businesses, exacerbating the community’s concerns.
The Head Pastor of the New Life Church of Light voiced his deep anger and concern, emphasizing the devastating impact these activities are having on the local community.
Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minerals Commission have claimed they were only informed of a dredging exercise authorized by the Asante Akim Central Assembly and were unaware of any mining activities taking place.
Residents, frustrated by the ongoing destruction of water bodies and farmlands, are demanding immediate intervention. They report that the area has been cordoned off, concealing the full extent of the environmental damage from travelers on the highway.
Moreover, a section of the highway near the mining site is caving in, and despite years of appeals, it remains unrepaired.
This situation has raised serious concerns about the government’s ability to regulate mining activities and safeguard the environment.
Konongo residents who have been speaking to the media over the development are urgently calling for action to halt the illegal mining and restore their vital water source.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
