The Western Regional Minister, Honourable Joseph Nelson has called on communities to take decisive action to halt illegal mining activities. He also reported that government and partner institutions are scaling up relief efforts following flooding in Samreboi. The Western regional Minister stated that coordinated support is ongoing to assist affected residents until water levels recede and normal life resumes.
Honourable Nelson indicated that his recent visit to the area revealed active collaboration between the Assembly, the Member of Parliament and Samartex Timber Company. The Western Regional Minister explained that food supplies and essential items are being distributed to complement ongoing relief operations.
Additionally, he noted that the National Disaster Management Organisation is playing a key role in the response effort within the Amenfi West Municipality. He stressed that teams remain deployed to support affected communities while monitoring the evolving situation.
The Western regional Minister described the flooding as a developing challenge that requires continuous attention from both state and non state actors. He added that relief interventions will remain in place until safe conditions are restored for displaced residents.
“I have been to the area and seen the situation for myself. Support is ongoing and food supplies are being provided to the affected communities. We will continue to monitor the situation until residents can return to normal life.”
Honourable Joseph Nelson
Moreover, Honourable Nelson explained that the government’s approach focuses on immediate relief and long term recovery planning. He added that coordination among institutions remains essential in addressing the humanitarian needs of affected populations.
The Western Regional Minister further linked the flooding situation to broader environmental pressures affecting river systems in the region. He noted that human activity along water bodies continues to influence the scale of seasonal flooding incidents.
Community Action And Technology Push Emerge In Galamsey Response Strategy
The Western Regional Minister, Honourable Joseph Nelson called for stronger community participation and advanced technological surveillance in addressing illegal mining along river bodies. The Western regional Minister stated that collective responsibility remains central to controlling environmental damage linked to galamsey activities.
He explained that the Tano River and surrounding water bodies traverse multiple regions, making enforcement efforts complex and requiring coordinated national action. He noted that monitoring efforts by state agencies alone cannot fully address the scale of the challenge.
Additionally, he stated that communities living along riverbanks hold a critical role in safeguarding natural resources. He added that local vigilance can significantly reduce illegal mining activities that contribute to environmental degradation.
The Western regional Minister highlighted that some communities have successfully resisted illegal mining through coordinated local action. He suggested that similar approaches could strengthen national efforts to protect water bodies and reduce flooding risks.
“When communities take responsibility and act decisively, illegal mining activities reduce significantly. The river systems remain vital for livelihoods and must be protected through shared effort and vigilance.”
Honourable Joseph Nelson
Moreover, Honourable Nelson noted that enforcement agencies continue to operate in affected areas but face resistance in some communities. He indicated that public cooperation would enhance the effectiveness of state interventions.
The Western Regional Minister further observed that Samreboi’s flooding represents an unusual escalation compared to previous years. He explained that overflow from the Tano and Samre rivers has affected settlements located close to riverbanks.
He added that most of the Samreboi township remains unaffected, with only a small portion impacted by flooding. He noted that this marks the first occurrence of flooding at such scale in the area.
Consequently, he added that the introduction of technological monitoring systems will improve oversight of riverine environments. He suggested that drone surveillance could provide early warning signals along the full stretch of affected rivers.
He further explained that such systems would complement the work of disaster management agencies and improve response time. He stressed that combining technology with community action offers a more sustainable solution to recurring environmental challenges.
The Western regional Minister later reinforced that government is committed to addressing both immediate flood impacts and long term environmental protection. He indicated that coordinated efforts between institutions, communities and technology driven systems will shape future response strategies.
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