- Illegal mining now occurs openly in towns and along highways.
- Miners cause environmental damage, contaminating water sources.
- Miners blame government for poor management and lack of opportunities.
- Urgent action needed to address environmental and socioeconomic impacts.
Illegal mining activities have escalated to alarming levels, with operators now openly conducting their activities within settlements of major towns and along major highways. The brazen disregard for the law is evident in towns like Konongo, Asamang-Tamfoe, and Osino, where mining is being carried out with impunity along the main Accra-Kumasi Highway.
This blatant violation of the law flies in the face of the Environmental Protection Act 1994, the Mineral and Mining Act 2006, and the Water Resources Commission Act 1996. In Konongo, the miners have redirected the Oware stream, which flows through the town, and destroyed a large portion of the wetlands, contaminating the community’s water sources.
The miners, who were present at the site, showed no remorse for their actions, justifying their illegal activities with a sense of hopelessness. According to them, the situation is a result of bad governance, and they blame the government for their predicament.
One miner was quoted as saying, “It won’t go anywhere. Akufo-Addo is aware. As the government of Akufo-Addo and Bawumia is spoiling the country, what do they expect us to do? Should we go and steal?” Another miner added, “If we don’t do the illegal mining, how would we feed?” This response highlights the desperation and lack of alternatives faced by these individuals.
Assessing the situation and gathering evidence of the widespread illegal mining activities. The report exposes the severity of the situation, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address the environmental degradation, health risks, and socioeconomic implications of these illegal activities.
