Fishers at Anlo Beach in the Shama District of the Western Region are raising concerns over the detrimental effects of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, on their livelihoods.
During a recent visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA), it was observed that the marine waters along Anlo Beach have been severely affected by pollution from the River Pra, which flows downstream to the sea in that area.
Local fishers expressed that this pollution poses a significant threat to their fishing activities, which are vital for their community’s sustenance.
Fisherman Mr. George Ahiaku remarked, “As you can see, the colour of the sea has changed due to the pollution from the River Pra. This is something that we are worried about because it is affecting our fishing activities.” He noted that harmful chemicals from galamsey operations leach into the River Pra and ultimately wash into the ocean, leading to the death of aquatic life.
Mr. Ahiaku further explained the impact on their daily catch: “When we come ashore, we are not able to catch as much as we should because, I believe these toxic chemicals affect the fish stock in the sea.” He emphasized that the situation is creating severe financial challenges for them and their families, calling for urgent action against the galamsey crisis.
Additionally, Mr. Godwin Kumah, the Unit Committee Chair for the area, echoed these sentiments. He stated that they are struggling to cope with the repercussions of galamsey activities occurring in other locations, urging the government to take decisive measures to combat illegal mining. “We are not doing galamsey here, but we are facing the brunt of these activities from elsewhere. We are calling on the government to do something about this, otherwise there will be disaster,” he said.
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