The Sanitation and Water Resources Committee of Parliament is set to undertake a one-week tour of illegal mining sites in the Eastern, Western, and Ashanti Regions starting September 25, 2024.
The Committee members organized this tour to evaluate the severe effects of galamsey on the nation’s water bodies and the environment.
Recently, Ghana Water Limited (GWL) announced that Cape Coast, Elmina, and neighboring communities in the Central Region will soon face water shortages due to illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey at their vicinity.
GWL indicated that pollution in its catchment area has drastically reduced water intake, with around 60 per cent of the catchment capacity silted as a result of the effects of galamsey activities.
The Chairman of the Sanitation and Water Resources Committee of Parliament, John Oti Bless, announced that the committee’s tour is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, September 25.
“The committee has planned a visit to several critical galamsey sites, particularly those affecting our water bodies, where galamsey activities have had a severe negative impact in the Ashanti, Eastern, and Western regions. Starting on the 25th of this month, the committee will embark on a one-week tour of these three regions.”
“This is a serious issue. Under President Akufo-Addo’s government, the military presence has been significantly diminished. If the military is to be involved, why aren’t they deployed to these affected areas?”
Source: Obikyere Abigail Seyram
