The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has moved to halt mining operations along the tributaries of the Offin River at Pasoro in the Ashanti Region.
The EPA has observed that most illegal miners have failed to cease activities near river bodies.
Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, has promised that the EPA will ensure all mining along river bodies is stopped to restore the sanctity of water bodies.
This comes after the EPA issued a directive ordering the cessation of all mining activities within and along water bodies. It further indicated its preparedness to seize and prosecute persons acting contrary to the directive.
Despite the directive, some individuals continued to perpetrate the illegality at the Pasoro tributary.
Though the miners were absent at the time of the visit, three excavators and other equipment used in the mining operations were found at the site.
According to experts, the pit is newly dug for mining activities, and Prof. Klutse has expressed disappointment at the rate of destruction.
Continuous mining in river bodies has destroyed several water bodies in the country, but the EPA emphasizes that the restoration of river bodies remains a priority.
Meanwhile, the tributary of the Offin River is also affected by illegal sand winning, with large acres of land being destroyed by the winners.
Prof. Klutse revealed that the area will come under regulation.
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