Illegal mining operations, also referred to as “galamsey,” have severely damaged the historic River Suble, which is situated behind the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum in Nkroful, the birthplace of Ghana’s first president Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
The river, which was historically significant, is currently suffering from widespread environmental damage brought on by unchecked mining activities.
Speaking with Channel One TV News, some Nkroful locals expressed their opinion that the destruction of the River Suble by galamsey is a mark on Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s legacy and a demonstration of his lack of leadership.
Resident, Christopher Tane, lamented the loss of the river’s utility, saying “This is the only water we depended on for bathing and drinking, and was very useful to us during the dry season. However, because of the activities of galamsey, we have difficulty with getting portable water so we want the government to help stop the galamsey.)
Ama Begyina, another resident, echoed Tane’s sentiments, pointing to the community’s reliance on the river in their daily lives.
“We used to drink and bathe from this river and was so helpful but because of their galamsey, they have destroyed it. If you want to know who is responsible for the devastation of the river, then you have to ask the Chiefs of Anwia, Bokazo and Nkroful. Right now we don’t get water here for our needs. We now depend on well water for our water needs,”
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