An environmentalist Reverend Father Joseph Blay and native of Assemkrom-Ngakain, bemoaned over illegal mining (galamsey) amid police inaction in his community.
Speaking on the situation, he detailed the extent of destruction caused by galamsey operations, the arrest of six Chinese nationals, and the complicity of some local figures.
He also called for urgent government intervention to protect the environment and the livelihoods of Assemkrom residents.
According to Rev. Blay, six Chinese nationals engaged in illegal mining were arrested on the morning of Saturday, March 1. However, the Ghanaian accomplices who led them to these sites have not yet been apprehended. He emphasized the need for law enforcement to go beyond arresting foreign miners and hold local collaborators accountable.
“Of course, it’s good news to arrest the Chinese. But you remember the Chinese ambassador once said there is no Chinese who knows our forests and rivers. They are always led by Ghanaians. And here in Assemkrom, we know that the Abusuapanin (family head) is leading [these] people.”
Rev. Joseph Blay Environmentalist
Rev. Blay revealed that the local leader enabling these activities is over 90 years old and accused him of leaving behind a legacy of destruction. He also mentioned that young people in the community are actively aiding the illegal mining operations.
Police Inaction and Possible Complicity
Rev. Blay questioned why law enforcement authorities had not acted against illegal miners despite their visible operations. He described instances where he had personally confronted the police regarding their failure to act.
“Either the [Police] are benefiting from it, or they could be accomplices in it. It’s time for the government to take this issue seriously and make an scapegoat out of [some officials].”
Rev. Joseph Blay Environmentalist
Rev. Blay painted a grim picture of the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining.
“The Boin River, which was once deep enough that even a good swimmer could drown, is now silted to the point where people can walk across it.”
Rev. Joseph Blay Environmentalist
He further explained that communities like Ngakain have lost access to clean drinking water due to the pollution of their water sources. Residents are now forced to walk to nearby towns like Jema to fetch water.
“During the rainy season, schoolchildren have to cross the Boin River to fetch water. What happens when one of them falls in and drowns? Are we waiting for a tragedy before we act?”
Rev. Joseph Blay Environmentalist
The Role of Traditional Leaders and Land Ownership
Rev. Blay criticized some traditional leaders for selling out the land and enabling illegal mining activities. He challenged the perception that chiefs have ultimate authority over land, reminding Ghanaians that all minerals in the land are entrusted to the President. He provided a philosophical perspective on land ownership, he said;
“Land is a property acquired by the dead, entrusted to the living as stewards and tenants on behalf of the unborn. If you want to be the owner of the land, remain unborn or die.”
Rev. Joseph Blay Environmentalist
Rev. Blay lamented that future generations in Assemkrom-Ngakain will inherit a devastated landscape with no water, no arable land for farming, and worsening poverty.
One of the most alarming revelations was that illegal mining had even extended to school compounds, leading to the closure of some schools.
“These chiefs claim to be doing something for their people, but in reality, they are only thinking about themselves. Even the money they get is insignificant—just 20,000 or 50,000 Ghana cedis.”
Rev. Joseph Blay Environmentalist
Rev. Blay urged the government to take decisive action against illegal mining, especially by arresting and prosecuting local collaborators.
“Why are we paying people to watch over our national property if they are not doing anything to stop its destruction? It’s time to act before it’s too late.”
Rev. Joseph Blay Environmentalist
He also appealed to Ghanaians to take a stand against environmental degradation, warning that if nothing is done, future generations will bear the cost of today’s negligence.
The situation in Assemkrom-Ngakain highlights the urgent need for stricter law enforcement, greater accountability from local leaders, and sustainable environmental policies.
Rev. Joseph Blay’s passionate call for action serves as a reminder that illegal mining is not just about lost gold—it is about the destruction of communities, livelihoods, and the future of Ghana’s youth.
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