Angry Nzema residents are expressing their dissatisfaction with the devastating effects of illegal mining, also known as galamsey, on their forests and water bodies.
The residents made their grievances known during a press conference held in Bakanta, a community in the Ellembele District of the Western Region.
They lamented the lack of action from security heads and political authorities in the area to curb the activities of illegal miners. The residents criticized the government for its perceived lax commitment to tackling the issue and vowed to continue advocating for the protection of their rivers, land, and forests from the pollution caused by illegal mining.
Elizabeth Allua Vaah, the leader of the Ghana Environmental Advocacy Group, highlighted the dire consequences of illegal mining activities in Nzema, Wassa, and other areas. She emphasized the need for traditional leaders to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the environment, as many residents are currently exposed to contaminated water and food due to heavy metal pollution.
The situation is further compounded by the tragic deaths of children in Nzema communities as a result of uncovered pits left by illegal miners. Despite the alarming repercussions, Vaah pointed out the failure of the state in addressing illegal mining and called on residents to take a stand in protecting their environment.
She urged regular citizens to step up in the absence of adequate government and traditional leadership intervention. Vaah highlighted specific communities where illegal mining activities are rampant and called out the complicity of Ghanaians who collaborate with foreign entities in perpetuating the destructive practice.
The residents of Nzema are determined to raise awareness and advocate for the preservation of their natural resources, as they believe it is their responsibility to safeguard their communities in the face of environmental degradation caused by illegal mining.
