The Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Honourable Kingsley Agyemang, has declared himself helpless in the fight against illegal mining in Kyebi, despite repeated attempts to secure intervention from state authorities. Speaking on the deteriorating situation in the constituency, the Abuakwa South MP explained that the prolonged destruction of water sources has left residents facing serious challenges with access to potable water and public health.
Honourable Agyemang disclosed that the Kyebi treatment plant operated by Ghana Water Company Limited has been out of service for almost a year because of the severe deterioration in water quality. He explained that many residents have consequently resorted to sachet water, while others depend on privately drilled boreholes for their daily needs.
The situation, according to the MP, has also created health challenges for residents who require access to specialised medical treatment. He noted that cases involving kidney and other renal conditions have emerged while Kyebi itself lacks a dialysis machine, forcing patients to travel to Koforidua for treatment.
“Who is responsible for the coercive power of the state? Even as Member of Parliament, as a representative, I’m helpless. How much more the chiefs?”
Honourable Kingsley Agyemang
Honourable Agyemang argued that the inability of local leaders to directly deploy state enforcement powers have left communities with limited options in confronting illegal mining activities. He explained that the coercive authority required to stop illegal operations ultimately rests with state institutions operating under the authority of the central government.
Honourable Agyemang also pointed to the impact on agriculture and livestock, explaining that farmers were increasingly affected by the condition of streams and surrounding land. He warned that contamination of water sources could also affect food production because polluted water and mining debris enter vegetation consumed by livestock and communities.
The MP described the situation in Kyebi as one that has moved beyond an environmental problem into a public health and livelihood crisis. He therefore called for stronger state intervention to protect residents whose access to essential services and economic activities has been affected by the mining activities.
Kyebi Galamsey Fight Raises Questions Over State Enforcement
The prolonged impact of illegal mining in Kyebi has raised questions about the effectiveness of state institutions responsible for enforcing environmental and mining regulations in the Abuakwa South Municipality.
Member of Parliament for the area, Honourable Kingsley Agyemang, has argued that the presence of security agencies and local authorities has not translated into a decisive response to the destruction attributed to illegal mining.
The Abuakwa South MP explained that the area has several levels of policing, including regional, divisional and district commands, while the Municipal Chief Executive also chairs the Municipal Security Council. He questioned why illegal mining could continue despite the presence of these institutions within the municipality.
Honourable Agyemang also recounted his attempts to obtain information about an alleged arrest involving the son of an NDC chairman in the area. He explained that after the MCE publicly referred to the arrest, he wrote to the municipal authority and the local police seeking an update but received no response.
The MP further disclosed that he subsequently approached the Right to Information Commission on two occasions in an effort to obtain clarification. He argued that the difficulty in obtaining information had compounded his frustration over efforts to establish what action had been taken against suspected illegal miners.
Beyond state institutions, Honourable Agyemang acknowledged the position of traditional authorities in the fight against illegal mining but argued that chiefs do not possess the coercive powers necessary to enforce the law. He explained that chiefs, like other citizens, operate within a system where enforcement authority is vested in state institutions.
The MP also raised concerns about reports of foreign nationals operating in mining areas around the Atewa Forest. He alleged that individuals from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and other countries were involved in illegal mining activities within the area, describing the scale of activity as destructive to the surrounding environment.
Meanwhile, the consequences have extended into the agricultural sector, with Honourable Agyemang highlighting difficulties faced by farmers and livestock owners. He argued that contaminated streams and degraded land were threatening livelihoods that depend on access to clean water and productive farmland.
The Abuakwa South MP has consequently continued to pursue the matter through advocacy, correspondence and engagement with state institutions. His approach, he explained, includes bringing the situation to the attention of the Inspector General of Police and other authorities while pressing for information on enforcement activities.
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