The Ghana Environmental Advocacy Group, a proactive NGO dedicated to environmental preservation, has expressed deep concern over the tragic deaths of seven community members due to open pits left behind by illegal mining activities. Mrs Elizabeth Allua Vaah, the Executive Director, revealed that four victims hailed from Nkroful, with two and one from Anwia and Telekubokazo, respectively.
During a press conference held at New Bakanta in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region, the group showcased water samples collected from five river sources in the area to illustrate the extent of pollution caused by illegal mining. Mrs Vaah emphasized the dire state of rivers such as the Ankobra, Birim, Broma, Butre, Offin, Pra, Subile, Tano, and White Volta, urging for collective action to halt mining activities within reserve forest zones and water bodies.
Highlighting the detrimental impact of destructive community mining, poorly regulated small-scale mining, and mineral extraction in forest reserves, Mrs Vaah stressed the urgent need to curb such practices. She criticized the lack of action by state authorities and local chiefs, attributing the current situation to their failure to prevent land and river poisoning, which has far-reaching socio-economic, health, and security repercussions.
Mrs Vaah expressed concern over the decline in cocoa production and warned of potential contamination of remaining crops with heavy metals. She highlighted communities like Aiyinasi Sendu, Adjei Obeng Krom, Anwia, Abelebo, Egila Eshiem, Banso, and Dadieso as facing significant risks of land and water pollution from mining activities conducted by both foreign and Ghanaian companies.
Furthermore, she raised alarm over the consumption of mercury and lead-contaminated water, as well as tainted agricultural produce and fish, leading to a surge in diseases linked to heavy metal poisoning. In solidarity, organized youth groups from surrounding communities voiced their strong opposition to the destructive impact of unregulated mining activities on their lands.