Ghanaian communities in the Nzema area of the Western Region face dire consequences due to rampant illegal mining activities, leading to environmental degradation and tragic deaths.
Recent reports highlight the alarming situation in Nzema, where illegal mining activities have left behind numerous uncovered pits, posing a serious threat to residents. Tragically, seven individuals have lost their lives after falling into these pits, sparking concerns about the safety and well-being of the community.
Mrs. Elizabeth Allua Vaah, serving as the Executive Director of the Ghana Environmental Advocacy Group, raised these pressing issues during a recent press conference and sensitization program held at Bankata in the Ellembelle District. The event, themed “Our Dying Rivers – An Uncertain Future,” aimed to shed light on the devastating impact of irresponsible surface mining on the region’s forests, land, and water bodies.
Mrs. Vaah emphasized that the consequences of illegal mining extend beyond immediate dangers, such as uncovered pits. The contamination of water sources with mercury, lead, arsenic, and cyanide poses severe health risks to residents who consume these polluted resources. Moreover, staple foods, fruits, and fish have also been found to contain harmful levels of these toxic metals, further endangering public health.
The degradation of rivers like Ankobra, Birim, Broma, Butre, Offin, Pra, Subile, and Tano paints a grim picture of the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining activities. Local communities such as Aiyinasi Sendu, Adjei Obeng Krom, Anwia, Abelebo, Egila Eshiem, Banso, and Dadieso are particularly affected, with their lands being poisoned by both foreign and local actors engaged in illegal mining.
The implications of these activities are not limited to immediate health hazards. They also have long-term repercussions, such as the decrease in cocoa production, partly attributed to illegal mining. This downturn not only affects the livelihoods of farmers but also raises concerns about the safety and quality of Ghana’s agricultural products.
In light of these challenges, Mrs. Vaah called for urgent intervention from both political leaders and traditional authorities. While political leaders have a responsibility to enforce regulations and protect the environment, traditional leaders, as custodians of the land, play a crucial role in safeguarding natural resources for future generations.
The situation in Nzema serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address illegal mining activities and their devastating impact on communities, the environment, and Ghana’s sustainable development goals.