Illegal small-scale mining operations have taken over the main Ayamfuri-Wassa Akropong road in the Western Region.
Miners are openly extracting gold in clear violation of the country’s mining regulations.
Despite the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), which prohibits mining within settlements and within fifty meters of public roads, these activities continue unchecked.
JoyNews‘ Environmental Journalist, Erastus Asare Donkor has reported that the situation is particularly alarming in towns like Wassa Ntwentwena, Gyapa, and Wassa Adiemra, where entire communities have turned into unauthorised mining sites.
He noted that, the main Dunkwa-Ayamfuri road, once a vital route, is now lined with massive pits, excavators, and other mining equipment, while local authorities seem to have allowed this illegal activity to thrive.
Mr Donkor further highlighted that in Wassa Dadieso and Gyapa, illegal mining known as galamsey appears to be operating with the tacit approval of community leaders. What was once a key road, the Ayamfuri-Akropong route is now dotted with artisanal washing bays and large pits, where miners openly process gold.
When confronted about their activities, some miners defended their actions, claiming that mining is their only means of survival.
“Mind your own business. Has anyone stopped you from working? Why should we stop? This is what we do, and we have nothing to do with the government,” one miner retorted.
Another miner expressed a similar viewpoint, he told Erastus that illegal mining was a better alternative to engaging in criminal activities.
“What should we do, pull guns and rob people for money? We work hard for our daily bread. We don’t want to steal, but we have no other options,” he explained.
The miners also downplayed concerns about the health risks posed by the toxic substances generated from their operations.
One miner, dismissing scientific research, said, “The person who started mining in this town is over 100 years old and still alive. We’ve been doing this for decades, and no one has ever had any health problems from galamsey. From our leaders’ time to ours, we’ve seen no one fall sick from it.”
Source: Mavis Sekyibea Addo
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