Increased illicit mining activities and a downpour over the weekend have entirely washed away parts of the Aboi Nkwanta-Samrebol Road in the Wassa Amenfi West Municipality of the Western Region.
In the center of the Aboi Nkwanta settlement, along a creek beside the road, illegal miners are at work. Due to their actions, a number of pits have been exposed, resulting in dangerous situations that are especially difficult to control during the rainy season.
Because of this, the road is temporarily closed, forcing travelers to take the Sureso or Wassa Dunkwa Road as alternate routes when traveling from Asankragwa to Aboi Nkwanta, Samrebol, and the neighboring districts.
For now, wooden planks have been secured, allowing only motorbikes to navigate the road, according to Nana Gyan Manso, the Assembly Member for the Akromantu Electoral Area, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA).
Nana Manso revealed that “several houses have been submerged and some residents have also been displaced. I will inform the National Disaster Management Organisation coordinator to handle the issue. Although what has happened is unfortunate, we will not watch on as residents and drivers suffer.”
In order to begin the road reconstruction process as soon as feasible, the Assembly Member promised to get in touch with the Municipal Chief Executive and the Wassa Amenfi West Member of Parliament.
He promised that the issue would be resolved and urged drivers and locals along the Aboi Nkwanta-Samreboi Road to be patient.
According to several drivers who work at the Aboi Nkwanta and Samreboi Lorry Station in Asankragwa, despite the government’s declaration that illegal mining operations are outlawed, these miners continue to work fearlessly in communities and alongside major roadways.
They urged the government and all parties involved to take immediate action to stop the growing damage to the environment and waterways.
