Illegal mining activities on the River Ayensu in the Agona East District have created serious health and environmental threats for residents who depend on the river as their main source of water.
A report by Oyerepa News, Nana Ansah revealed that residents of Agona East District, Agona West Municipality, and Gomoa East District are battling with typhoid, skin cancer, and other severe diseases caused by harmful chemicals from illegal mining that have contaminated the river.
The situation has compelled the Ghana Water Company to shut down its plant at Agona Kwayanko, leaving many communities without access to potable water. The once clean river has now turned muddy and unsafe due to the destructive activities of galamsey operators.
Residents of Gomoa Panfokrom in the Gomoa East District, who are among the most affected, told Nana Ansah that the River Ayensu has been their only source of water. However, because of the pollution, they have not had access to clean water for the past three months.
According to them, the chemicals used by the illegal miners have made the river water poisonous, posing a serious risk to their health.
The residents are urgently appealing to the government and relevant authorities to intervene and stop the illegal mining, warning that if nothing is done, many lives will be lost before the end of the year.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com/Nana Ansah Mathew
