The Chief of Effutu, Nai Ghartey VII, is demanding an immediate halt to illegal mining activities taking place upstream of the Ayensu River, a vital water source that serves several districts in the Central Region.
Pollution of the Ayensu River, he warned, is not only crippling water supply but also severely affecting fishing and farming activities across the region. He has therefore called for urgent, coordinated action to curb the menace.
In recent months, more than 10 districts in the Central Region have faced an acute water crisis following the shutdown of the Kwanyako headworks of the Ghana Water Limited due to heavy siltation of the raw water source that feeds the Kwanyako treatment plant.
The shutdown forced authorities to install a temporary pumping system in the shallow parts of the dam, resulting in an inconsistent supply.
Although the Winneba headworks remain operational, residents within the Effutu Municipality have been receiving visibly contaminated water.
These developments, officials say, stem from illegal mining activities in the Eastern Region—upstream of the once pristine Ayensu River.
Speaking to Channel One News at the University of Education, Winneba’s 30th graduation ceremony, Nai Ghartey VII expressed deep concern over the situation. While acknowledging the government’s efforts in combating illegal mining, he lamented the continuing damage to water supply, agriculture, fishing, and even marine life.
He stressed the need for stronger, more decisive, and collaborative action, particularly from the government.
“It threatens our food security, our public health, our natural environment, and the very future we are duty-bound to reserve for the generations that will follow us,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, Professor Jobson Mitchual, pledged the institution’s commitment to supporting the fight with evidence-based research.
“As an academic community, we will continue providing research-based insights, constructive feedback, and meaningful contributions to support the national fight against galamsey,” he said.
The Central Regional Minister, Eduamoah Okyere Ekow Panyin, also expressed concern about the impact of illegal mining on districts within the previously galamsey-free eastern part of the region. He hinted that, but for procedural restrictions, he would have taken more personal measures to confront the issue.
Despite the challenges, he remains hopeful.
“We thank God that we are almost there. We have been able to clear those who are destroying our water bodies,” he stated.
