Illegal miners have blocked different parts of the River Ankobra in Prestea-Hemang and Awodua, Western Region, stopping it from flowing naturally. According to MyJoyOnline, these miners are now using heavy machines like excavators to dig directly in the river, worsening the damage.
As MyJoyOnline reports, journalist Erastus Asare Donkor revealed that over a year of illegal mining, also called galamsey, has turned what was once a flowing river into a dirty, still pool. The government is now investigating the extent of the damage, with the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources sending a special team to check illegal mining activities across the country.
During a visit to the Ankobra estuary, MyJoyOnline observed that when the sea pushed water inland, it briefly covered up the pollution. However, after a 40-minute boat ride upstream, the true picture of the destruction became clear.
In Ehyeamu, MyJoyOnline noted that mining activities are happening dangerously close to the river, violating environmental rules. A miner, who gave his name as Lopez, even showed official documents for his mining area but admitted to breaking the law.
In Awodua, near Prestea, MyJoyOnline uncovered an even more shocking reality—illegal miners have completely blocked the river to mine in it. The situation is worse at Prestea-Hemang, where miners have built barriers, stopping the river from flowing entirely.
As MyJoyOnline describes, the once beautiful and lively River Ankobra is now nothing more than a lifeless brown pool stuck beneath a bridge, trapped and polluted by illegal miners.
Credit: myjoyonline