Four persons have been arrested for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities in the Central Region.
The suspects were arrested in a joint operation by the Twifo Atti Mokwa District Assembly, the police and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
The operation aimed to curb the devastating effects of illegal mining on the environment and the River Pra.
The team burnt five changfan machines, and five boats, and seized other equipment used by illegal miners.
The crackdown comes after a tragic incident last week where two-and-a-half-year-old twins lost their lives after falling into an abandoned galamsey pit.
Residents claim this is one of several incidents caused by uncovered galamsey pits in the district.
The illegal mining activities have also negatively impacted the Ghana Water Limited (GWL) in the Central Region, with pollution affecting water quality and capacity.
The company reports a significant reduction in water production, causing inconvenience to customers.
The GWL, in a statement, said the pollution of the River Pra, especially at the catchment area at the water intake points, was at its barest minimum.
It said about 60 per cent of the catchment capacity was silted as a result of illegal mining activities, compromising water quality.
“We are currently recording an average turbidity of 14,000 NTU instead of 2000 NTU designed for adequate treatment,” it stated.
It further indicated that the company’s plant at Sekyere Hemang was producing only 1.650 million gallons of water a day which was a quarter of its installed capacity, causing severe inconvenience to customers around Cape Coast, Elmina and other surrounding communities.
District Chief Executive Robert Agyemang Nyantakyi emphasized the need for logistical support and community involvement to sustain the fight against illegal mining.
Twifo Atti Morkwa District NADMO Coordinator Richmond Addai Marfo highlighted the challenges of combating illegal mining, which often occurs at night, and called for collective action to address the environmental and health impacts.”
Meanwhile, the suspects will be put before the court after investigations are concluded.