By Alex Ababio
In Konongo, a town in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, residents are alarmed by illegal mining activities threatening their water bodies and livelihoods. Mining operations near the main Kumasi-Accra highway are polluting the Owere River, a vital water source for the community and surrounding areas. Residents are demanding immediate government intervention to address the situation.
Three Residents Speak Out
Yaw Antwi, a teacher in Konongo, said, “We rely on the Owere River for drinking water, farming, and other daily needs. Now, it’s polluted, and our children are getting sick. This has to stop.”
Akosua Mensah, a local trader, added, “The miners have taken over our land. They are destroying our water, and we can no longer farm properly. If nothing is done, how will we survive?”
Kwame Osei, a farmer, expressed his frustration: “Our farms are being ruined, and the river is no longer safe. The government must act now to save our community.”
Additional Concerns from Residents
Reverend Samuel Asante of the New Life Church of Light voiced his worries: “This mining activity is not just harming the environment; it is tearing apart the fabric of our community. The authorities must step in immediately.”
Ama Owusua another resident, stated, “The roads are caving in, and the mining site is hidden from view. It feels like no one cares about what is happening to us.”
Residents continue to call on the government and relevant agencies to take urgent measures to stop the illegal mining and protect their water and farmlands.
Environmental Protection Agency and Minerals Commission Officials Respond
Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minerals Commission revealed that they were only informed about a dredging exercise sanctioned by the Asante Akim Central Assembly. However, they claimed to be unaware that full-scale mining activities were taking place in the area.
This lack of communication and oversight has left residents feeling neglected. The destruction of water bodies and farmlands due to illegal mining has persisted for years, further fueling their frustration.
To hide the extent of the damage, the mining area has been fenced off, making it difficult for highway travelers to see the ongoing destruction. Meanwhile, a section of the highway near the mining site has been dangerously compromised, with part of it caving in. Despite repeated pleas over the years, no repairs have been made to address the situation.
The residents are growing increasingly concerned about the government’s failure to enforce regulations and protect the environment. Speaking to Ghanaian Watch News, they demanded immediate action to halt the mining activities and restore their vital water source.