The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Water Resources Commission have issued a critical appeal for the immediate arrest of individuals financing illegal mining operations affecting the Densu River. Located at Potrase near Kyebi in the Abuakwa South Municipality of the Eastern Region, the Densu River is facing severe environmental threats due to these illicit activities.
This river is a crucial water source for numerous communities upstream and over 1.5 million residents in Accra, who depend on the Weija Dam for their water supply.
The illegal mining activities have led to significant environmental damage, including the blocking and diversion of the river’s flow. This interference not only disrupts the natural water cycle but also jeopardizes the access to clean water for many communities. The situation has escalated to the point where the river’s water quality has deteriorated, becoming turbid and potentially causing long-term ecological harm.
In an exclusive interview with Channel One News, Addo Okyere, the Eastern Regional Director of the EPA, highlighted the gravity of the situation. Okyere described the impact of these illegal mining operations as a “national threat” and called for urgent measures to address the crisis. “The Potrase situation is bad, and I won’t mince words,” Okyere said. “The situation is bad in the sense that the Densu River, which hasn’t offended any mining company or any galamsey operator, is now being attacked.”
He emphasized the river’s importance, noting that it serves numerous communities from the Eastern region, including the Akyem area, Nsawam, and extends to the Greater Accra region. “This river is now being attacked by these galamsey operators, and the fear is that the river may dry up during the dry season or become further polluted. It has become turbid. If pragmatic action is not taken now, we may cry over the Densu River,” Okyere warned.
Okyere’s concerns are compounded by the fact that the river is critical for both domestic and agricultural use. The ongoing pollution and disruption of the river’s flow could have severe repercussions for local agriculture and public health. As the river’s condition worsens, the risk of waterborne diseases and other health issues for residents increases, further exacerbating the impact of the illegal mining activities.
The EPA’s call for action extends beyond addressing the immediate environmental damage. Okyere emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling illegal mining, which includes targeting the financiers behind these operations. “I think that the prosecution or the arrest should not only be on those that we find on the field. Those that we find on the field, when we get them, we need to find out who sends them there,” Okyere stated.
He explained that the illegal miners, often referred to as ‘galamsey operators,’ are typically not the ones financing the operations. “Sometimes you look at them and you realize that they cannot even afford to rent an excavator. They can’t even afford to buy about 100 liters of diesel, let alone gallons, to do the work. It means that there are some financiers behind them,” he said.
The EPA’s strategy involves identifying and apprehending these financiers to effectively combat illegal mining. By targeting those who provide financial support and resources for these activities, authorities aim to dismantle the networks enabling illegal mining operations. Okyere emphasized the importance of tracing the financial backers and holding them accountable to prevent future violations and protect Ghana’s vital water resources.
The Water Resources Commission has echoed the EPA’s call for action, stressing the urgency of addressing the situation. The Commission is working closely with the EPA and other stakeholders to implement measures that will safeguard the Densu River and restore its health. This includes enhanced monitoring of mining activities, stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, and community engagement to raise awareness about the importance of protecting water resources.
Efforts to combat illegal mining in Ghana have faced numerous challenges, including inadequate enforcement of regulations and limited resources for monitoring and intervention. The situation at the Densu River underscores the need for a more robust and coordinated approach to address the environmental and social impacts of illegal mining.
The government and relevant authorities are urged to prioritize the protection of critical water resources and ensure that effective measures are in place to prevent further damage. This includes investing in technology and infrastructure for monitoring and enforcement, as well as engaging with local communities to promote sustainable practices and raise awareness about the consequences of illegal mining.
In conclusion, the urgent call for action against the financiers of illegal mining operations at the Densu River highlights the severe environmental threat posed by these activities. The EPA and the Water Resources Commission’s appeal underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle illegal mining, including targeting those who provide financial support. As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial for authorities to implement effective measures to protect Ghana’s vital water resources and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Densu River and other critical water bodies.
