Akim Pankese Dwatoahene Raises Alarm Over Growing Galamsey Menace
The Dwatoahene of Akim Pankese in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region, Nana Osei Kwadwo, has raised concerns over the growing activities of illegal miners, popularly known as galamsey operators, in the area.
According to him, the increasing menace is causing environmental destruction and posing serious threats to public safety, education and livelihoods in Akim Pankese and its surrounding communities.
Speaking in an interview with DAILY GUIDE, Nana Osei Kwadwo said illegal mining activities have expanded to areas close to the Akim Pankese Presbyterian School, creating fears for the safety of pupils and teachers.
He indicated that some of the activities are taking place on lands between Akim Pankese and Wromra, including areas close to a major bridge and high-tension electricity installations.
The traditional leader further alleged that some sacred sites used for customary rites have been encroached upon by illegal miners, while large portions of fertile farmlands and cocoa farms have been destroyed.
Nana Osei Kwadwo warned that mining activities near electricity infrastructure could result in serious accidents if immediate steps are not taken to halt the operations.
He lamented the destruction of agricultural lands, stressing that the situation is negatively affecting the livelihoods of farmers and threatening food security in the area.
According to him, efforts by traditional authorities to discourage the activities have not yielded the desired results, with illegal miners continuing to operate despite concerns raised by residents.
The Dwatoahene noted that the Mponua Traditional Area comprises more than 40 communities whose chiefs owe allegiance to the paramount chief, and expressed concern that the environmental degradation could have far-reaching consequences for future generations if left unchecked.
Illegal mining remains one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental challenges. Across the country, galamsey activities have polluted rivers and streams, degraded forest reserves and left behind dangerous uncovered pits that have claimed lives and caused injuries.
Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that the use of toxic chemicals such as mercury in illegal mining operations poses serious health risks to nearby communities and contaminates water bodies that serve thousands of residents.
The destruction of farmlands has also affected agricultural productivity, while the pollution of water sources has increased the cost of water treatment and threatened access to safe drinking water.
Nana Osei Kwadwo therefore appealed to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, the Minerals Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), security agencies and other stakeholders to urgently intervene and address the growing menace.
He stressed that swift and decisive action is needed to protect lives, preserve the environment and prevent future disasters associated with illegal mining activities in Akim Pankese and its surrounding communities.
