Residents Confiscate ‘Galamsey’ Equipment On River Disou
Residents of Old Yakaase in the Aowin municipality of the Western North Region have confiscated illegal mining (galamsey) equipment found on River Disou.
Information gathered indicates that River Disou remains one of the few water bodies in the Aowin municipality that has not been affected by galamsey activities, hence a clean water source for domestic use, irrigation, and other essential purposes in the region.
It is reported that the traditional leaders and chiefs of the surrounding towns came together and formed a voluntary task force dedicated to monitoring activities on the river.
The task force, acting on their commitment, discovered and seized some galamsey equipment set up on the banks of River Disou, deep within the forest.
The chief of Old Yakaase, Nana Ndoli Kwaku I, expressed concern about the devastating effects of galamsey on the area’s water bodies, which had led to environmental degradation and water pollution.
The chief further stated that the owners of the confiscated mining equipment are welcome to the palace to identify their items. If possible, the chiefs intend to engage in a peaceful handover process.
READ MORE: AUK Pledges £3.9m Toward Fight Against Galamsey
Meanwhile, residents of Old Yakaase have taken a strong stance against any further illegal mining activities that could impact their only remaining water source.
They have expressed their determination to safeguard their community’s water resources.
Meanwhile, galamsey, an illegal form of small-scale mining, has emerged as a pressing environmental and social issue in Ghana.
The illicit mining practice involves the extraction of gold and other valuable minerals from small plots of land, often without proper licensing and environmental regulations.
While the activity promises economic gains to individuals and communities, its consequences have been severe, wreaking havoc on the environment, undermining livelihoods, and posing a threat to sustainable development.