Cocoa farmers at Twifo Abodom urge government to stop illegal mining contaminating River Osene

Cocoa farmers at Twifo Abodom in the Twifo-Atti-Morkwa District of the Central Region have appealed to the government to urgently intervene and halt illegal mining activities along River Osene, which they say are threatening their livelihoods and health.

The farmers explained that River Osene is their main source of drinking water, also used for farming, washing, and other domestic purposes. They warned that if immediate action was not taken, the continued contamination of the river with heavy metals could have severe health implications for the community.

Mr. Evils Ntikoran, Assembly Member for Twifo Abodom–Eduagya Electoral Area, said that he and three other assembly members had already taken steps to minimise the operations of illegal miners in the area. He urged residents to report galamsey activities to their assembly members, the police, or the District Chief Executive (DCE) instead of taking matters into their own hands.

Responding to the concerns, Mr. Isaac Yawson, DCE for Twifo Atti-Morkwa, confirmed receiving reports of illegal mining but said investigations had traced the pollution of River Osene to activities in Wassa East. He added that through collaboration with the Wassa East DCE, efforts were underway to stop the illegal miners responsible.

Mr. Yawson also called on traditional leaders to actively support the government’s campaign against illegal mining, emphasizing that community cooperation remained vital in the fight against galamsey.