The destructive tide of illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey,” is tightening its grip on Ghana, with the Bono Region emerging as the latest casualty. Communities across Banda, Wenchi, and Tain are witnessing severe environmental degradation as expansive farmlands, lush forests, and critical water bodies succumb to the onslaught.
Cashew farms, a cornerstone of the region’s agriculture, are being decimated, leaving farmers in despair. The once-pristine Tain River, a lifeline for local communities, is now choked with pollutants. Experts warn that if the trend continues unchecked, the Bui Dam, a crucial source of water and energy, could be jeopardized, threatening livelihoods and national development.
During an inspection tour of the affected areas, Bono Regional Minister Joseph Addae Akwaboa expressed alarm at the escalating crisis. “We cannot sit idle while our lands and water bodies are destroyed,” he said, pledging to bolster enforcement measures. Speaking at the confirmation ceremony for the Banda District Chief Executive, Minister Akwaboa emphasized the government’s resolve to confront the menace head-on.
Amid growing frustrations, local youth in Banda are demanding urgent interventions to safeguard their future. “Our farms and water sources are our livelihoods,” one resident lamented. “If galamsey continues, what will we pass on to the next generation?”
Traditional leaders, too, are stepping up their resistance. At a recent meeting of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Dr. Agyeman Badu II, the house’s president, delivered a forceful message. “Those engaged in illegal mining must cease immediately,” he declared. “We will not allow a few individuals to destroy our heritage and jeopardize our future. This is a battle for our survival.”
The united front between government officials and traditional authorities offers a glimmer of hope, but the road ahead remains steep. Reclaiming degraded lands, restoring ecosystems, and enforcing anti-galamsey laws will require unwavering commitment and collaborative effort. For the residents of Bono, the fight against galamsey is not just about preserving nature—it is a fight to protect their way of life.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
