By asiedu

Copyright ahotoronline

The Abuakwa South Municipality has taken a decisive step to combat the growing menace of illegal mining, popularly known as “galamsey,” by launching a dedicated Municipal Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce.
This important initiative was inaugurated today, Wednesday, 17th September 2025, by the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Nana Adu Sarpong Addo-Aikins, who expressed deep concern over the severe environmental and social consequences caused by unregulated mining activities in the area.
Hon. Addo-Aikins spoke with a strong sense of responsibility, highlighting that over the years, galamsey has inflicted devastating damage on the municipality’s lands, water bodies, and vegetation cover.
Rivers and streams that were once pristine sources of clean water have been heavily polluted, rendering them unsafe for consumption. Fertile agricultural lands that sustained the local population have been degraded, contributing to food insecurity and economic hardship for many families.
The MCE also painted a grim picture of the human cost of illegal mining, noting that the lives and livelihoods of residents continue to be threatened by unsafe mining practices. It is a grave embarrassment and public health concern, he said, to witness people resorting to carrying buckets and gallons in search of potable water, a direct consequence of irresponsible actions by a minority engaged in illegal mining.
This water crisis is particularly acute in Kyebi and its surrounding communities, where contamination of water sources has reached alarming levels.
The Chief of Kyebi, Osaberima Marfo Kwabrane, also weighed in on the matter, emphasizing the dangers posed by the chemicals used in illegal mining. These toxic substances have significant negative impacts on human health, poisoning the environment and threatening the well-being of the entire community.
The chief charged the newly formed taskforce with the critical responsibility of combating these harmful practices and protecting the people of Kyebi from further harm.
Adding to the support for the taskforce, the Kyebi Divisional Police Commander, ACP Anthony Appiah, reaffirmed the commitment of the police service to provide full security and backing as the taskforce embarks on its mission.
ACP Appiah assured residents that the police will work closely with the taskforce to restore law and order, curb illegal mining activities, and make Kyebi a safer and healthier place once again.
Story by: Emmanuel Asiedu Agyare (Onokwafo Yaw Asiedu)/Ahotoronline.com I Ghana