The Member of Parliament for Ahanta West in the Western Region, Mavis Kuukua Bissue, has raised serious concern over the devastating impact of illegal mining (galamsey) on water bodies in the constituency, describing the situation as “dire” and worsening.
The MP said that although efforts are being made to address several developmental challenges in the area, illegal mining remains one of the biggest threats to the environment and the livelihoods of residents.
She explained that the situation is being worsened by environmental pressures such as poor waste management and bad roads, but stressed that galamsey remains the most damaging challenge.
“By God’s grace, we are doing our best in Ahanta West. The rain is causing some challenges, improper waste disposal, bad roads, and the galamsey is also another menace,” she said.
According to her, authorities are working to control the situation, but the fight has become increasingly difficult as some residents engaged in illegal mining justify their actions by citing unemployment.
Madam Bissue revealed that the government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, is rolling out initiatives such as cooperative mining to provide alternative livelihoods and bring mining activities under proper regulation.
“With the help of the Lands Minister, we are trying to launch more of the cooperative mining so we can push a lot of people there and regulate them,” she explained.
However, she expressed concern that progress has been slow, noting that some illegal miners are unwilling to wait for the formal rollout of the programme.
“People are stubborn and lack patience, although plans are underway for the launch. So by the time you realize, they have gone back to pollute the water,” she lamented.
The MP painted a grim picture of the state of water bodies in the constituency, saying pollution from illegal mining has severely affected access to clean water and destroyed aquatic life.
“There is no safe water in Ahanta West, and the situation is bad. At the moment, the water has been polluted, and you can’t even find fishes in it,” she said.
She added that she was deeply saddened after personally visiting affected rivers and streams in the constituency.
“I was sad when I visited the water bodies. The situation is bad,” she noted.
Madam Bissue further pledged her support for the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, in efforts to combat illegal mining and restore degraded water bodies.
“I have pledged to support everything the Lands Minister is doing to salvage the situation,” she added.
