In an effort to crack down on illicit mining operations on the River Pra near Twifo Praso, the Twifo Atti Mokwa District Assembly in the Central Region has detained four people.
Last Tuesday’s drill was conducted in cooperation with the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and its Police Command.
Five changfan machines, five boats, and other mining equipment being used by illegal miners on the River Pra were set on fire by the team, which was commanded by the Police and the District Chief Executive, Robert Agyemang Nyantakyi.
This was a reaction to their actions’ catastrophic repercussions on the ecosystem and the River Pra.
A boy and girl twin, aged 2 and a half sadly perished last week after falling into an abandoned, water-filled galamsey pit.
The tragedy happened in the farming village of Mokwa, which is close to Twifo Praso.
Residents in the area said that the incident was one of many that occurred in recent years as a result of open galamsey pits.
The Ghana Water Company Limited’s (GWCL) operations in the Central Region have been adversely impacted by the illegal mining activities on the river.
The Sekyere Hemang plant produces only 1.65 million gallons of water daily, a quarter of its capacity, causing issues for Cape Coast, Elmina, and nearby areas. The uncommissioned bridge is being damaged by illegal miners working near its base. Mr. Agyemang highlighted the need for more boats, divers, and life jackets to effectively combat the miners, urging community support. NADMO Coordinator Richmond Addai Marfo noted the challenge of fighting miners who operate at night, emphasizing the environmental and health impact.
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