A crisis is emerging in Konongo, located in Ghana’s Ashanti region, where active mining operations are posing a serious threat to the town’s main water source, the Owere River, and sparking widespread outrage among residents.
The mining activities, situated along the main Kumasi-Accra highway, are reportedly polluting the river, which is crucial for supplying water to Konongo and its surrounding communities.
Excavators and other mining equipment are in use just meters away from homes, churches, and businesses, causing alarm within the community.
The Head Pastor of the New Life Church of Light expressed deep concern over the severe impact these operations are having on the local environment and the well-being of residents.
Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minerals Commission stated that they were only informed of a dredging exercise by the Asante Akim Central Assembly and were unaware of the mining activities taking place.
This has further fueled frustration among residents, who are increasingly dismayed by the ongoing destruction of water bodies and farmlands due to illegal mining.
In an attempt to conceal the extent of the environmental damage, the area around the mining site has been blocked off from highway travelers.
Additionally, a portion of the highway near the site is caving in and remains unrepaired, despite years of appeals from the community.
The situation has raised serious concerns about the government’s capacity to effectively regulate mining activities and protect the environment.
Residents are demanding immediate action to halt the mining operations and restore their vital water source.
