Parliamentary Committee to tour galamsey sites in Eastern, Western, and Ashanti Regions

The Sanitation and Water Resources Committee of Parliament is set to embark on a one-week tour of illegal mining (galamsey) sites in the Eastern, Western, and Ashanti Regions, starting on September 25, 2024.

This tour aims to assess the severe environmental and water-related impact of galamsey activities.

The tour follows recent warnings from Ghana Water Limited (GWL), which announced imminent water shortages in Cape Coast, Elmina, and nearby communities in the Central Region due to illegal mining.

GWL revealed that pollution from illegal mining has reduced water intake, with nearly 60 percent of the catchment area’s capacity silted.

John Oti Bless, Chairman of the Sanitation and Water Resources Committee, confirmed the tour dates, stating, ” The committee has scheduled a tour to visit the various serious galamsey sites, especially on our water bodies, where the activities of the galamsey have really impacted negatively in Ashanti, Eastern and the Western regions. So, on the 25th of this month, the committee is going to embark on a one-week tour of these three regions.”

He also expressed concerns over the diminished role of the military in combating illegal mining activities under the current government.