Residents of Konongo are increasingly concerned about the rampant illegal mining in their area, even as the government claims to tackle the issue. Despite substantial resources devoted to combating illegal mining, the situation appears to be worsening.
A mining operation has emerged just meters from the Konongo-Accra highway. The Minerals Commission and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have confirmed that this activity is illegal, as no mining license has been issued for the site.
Dawood Abass, the EPA’s Konongo area head, stated that the area was designated for dredging to prevent flooding, not for mining. The EPA plans to investigate and take action against the unauthorized operation.
“We received a letter from the Asante Akim Central Municipal Assembly that they wanted to undertake a dredging exercise to prevent flooding. So, whatever is taking place there aside dredging activity is illegal since no company or individual has been given the license to mine there. We will visit there and inform the appropriate quarters for action”, Konongo area head of EPA, Dawood Abass was quoted by 3news.com as saying.
The visibility of this illegal mining operation is heightened due to its location near the main road, drawing the attention of motorists and passers-by. This visibility has sparked doubts among residents about the government’s resolve to combat illegal mining.
Reverend Raphael Oppong, a local pastor, expressed frustration with the lack of action from authorities. “It seems like our leaders are failing us. The fact that this illegal mining continues suggests that local authorities are either ignoring the issue or pretending to fight it. We might have to organize a major demonstration to hold those responsible accountable,” he warned.
Bertha Nsarko, a mother of two, criticized the government’s anti-galamsey campaign as ineffective. “Despite the announcements of a war on illegal mining, the problem keeps advancing. It feels like a charade,” she said.
Residents have warned that if authorities fail to intervene soon, they may be forced to take matters into their own hands and confront the illegal miners directly.
Source: 3news.com contributed to this story
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