The Environmental Protection Authority has moved to halt mining operations along the tributaries of the Offin River at Pasoro in the Ashanti Region.
The EPA has observed most of the illegal miners have failed to halt activities near river bodies.
Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, has revealed the EPA will ensure all mining along river bodies are ceased to restore the sanctity of water bodies.
“When we came, we didn’t find the miners on ground, but we have seen the destruction done here. The pits we have seen will have to be reclaimed, we need to rehabilitate the water. When you see the color of the water, we see a clear pollution of the water. This is my visit since I took office and it is pathetic”, she emphasized.
The EPA issued a directive last month ordering the cessation of all mining activities within and along water bodies.
It further indicated preparedness to seize and prosecute persons acting contrary to the directive.
Checks by the EPA revealed persons perpetuating the illegality at Pasoro tributary of the Offin River continued to mine despite the order.
Though the miners were absent at the time of the visit, three excavators and other equipment used in the mining operations were mounted at the site.
According to experts, the pit is newly dug for the mining activities.
Continuous mining in the river bodies has resulted in the destruction of some water bodies in the country.
To the EPA, restoration of the river bodies remains a priority.
Prof. Klutse believes, “our first focus has been on the water bodies. It is pathetic, we can’t do without water. If our river bodies are all polluted and taps are not having water running through them. It is an emergency we need to tackle.”
Meanwhile, the tributary of the Offin River is also affected by illegal sand winning. Huge acres of land are destroyed by the winners.
The Environmental Protection Agency revealed the area will come under regulation.