Chief of Effutu Traditional area and Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Neenyi Ghartey VII, has called for an urgent halt to the illegal mining activities that are devastating the Ayensu River, a vital water source serving several districts in the Central Region.
The Chief’s impassioned demand underscores the grave consequences of the ongoing environmental degradation and its far-reaching impact on the livelihoods of the local communities.
The Ayensu River, once a pristine waterway, has become the epicenter of a brewing crisis that threatens to cripple the region’s water supply, fishing, and agricultural sectors.
Neenyi Ghartey VII sounded the alarm, warning that the pollution of this critical resource is not only compromising water access but also severely impacting the very foundations of the local economy.
“It threatens our food security, our public health, our natural environment, and the very future we are duty-bound to reserve for the generations that will follow us.”
Neenyi Ghartey VII
Impact of Illegal Mining on the Ayensu River
The Central Region has been grappling with a severe water crisis in recent months, largely due to the heavy siltation of the raw water source that feeds the Kwanyako treatment plant.
This shutdown forced authorities to resort to a temporary pumping system, resulting in an inconsistent and visibly contaminated water supply for residents within the Effutu Municipality.
The root cause of this crisis lies upstream, where illegal mining activities have been wreaking havoc on the Ayensu River.
The Ayensu river waterway has become a victim of the unregulated and reckless extraction of minerals, leading to the pollution of its waters and the disruption of vital ecosystems.
The impact of this environmental degradation extends far beyond the disruption of water supply. Fishing and agricultural activities, which have long been the backbone of the local economy, are now under severe threat as the Ayensu River’s contamination disrupts these vital livelihoods.
Role of Traditional Leaders in the Fight Against Illegal Mining
As the custodians of the land and the protectors of their communities, traditional leaders including Neenyi Ghartey VII have a crucial role to play in the fight against the scourge of illegal mining.
The Effutu Chief’s impassioned call for immediate action underscores the pivotal position of these local leaders in mobilizing the necessary resources and coordinating the response to the crisis.
By leveraging their influence and deep understanding of the local dynamics, traditional leaders can serve as catalysts for change, rallying the community, engaging with government authorities, and advocating for robust policies and enforcement measures to curb the illegal mining activities that are devastating the country’s environments and the livelihoods.
Efforts and the Need for Decisive Action
The government recognized the urgent need to address the menace of illegal mining hence, the implementation of various strategies. However, as Neenyi Ghartey VII’s plea suggests, the current efforts have not yet yielded the desired results, and the crisis continues to escalate, threatening the very foundations of the region’s environmental and economic well-being.
The Central Regional Minister, Eduamoah Okyere Ekow Panyin, also acknowledged the impact of illegal mining on the districts within the previously galamsey-free eastern part of the region, expressing concern and hinting at the need for more decisive action.
This statement underscores the government’s awareness of the gravity of the situation and the need for a comprehensive, coordinated, and unwavering response.
While the Effutu community and the broader Central Region battle with the consequences of the Ayensu River’s degradation, the call for urgent intervention from the government and all stakeholders has never been more pressing.
The future of the region’s water security, agricultural productivity, and overall sustainable development hinges on the ability of policymakers, law enforcement, and traditional leaders to work in tandem to safeguard this vital natural resource.
The battle to preserve the Ayensu River and the livelihoods it supports is a microcosm of the larger struggle against the scourge of illegal mining in the country.
Heeding the impassioned plea of Neenyi Ghartey VII and translating it into decisive, action-oriented solutions will be crucial in charting a path towards a more resilient and environmentally responsible future for the Central Region and the nation as a whole.
