The District Chief Executive (DCE) of Akyemansa district in the Eastern region, Hon. Paul Asamoah Gyemah, has launched a fervent plea for the government's intervention.
The focus of concern centers around the Pra River, where galamsey activities have wreaked havoc on local communities and the environment.
Under the leadership of Hon. Paul Asamoah Gyemah, a dedicated galamsey taskforce embarked on an operation aimed at confronting illegal miners operating along the Pra River.
The task force's recent operation achieved a significant milestone as they dismantled and set ablaze 15 chamgfei machines that had been erected by illegal miners near the "Ensese Anglo village."
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the DCE emphasized the urgent need for government support to effectively combat galamsey activities within the district.
A major concern expressed by Hon. Paul Asamoah Gyemah was the lack of sufficient financial resources required to tackle the growing problem of galamsey.
This illicit activity has not only degraded the environment but has also severely impacted farmlands and local communities that depend on the river.
One alarming trend that the DCE drew attention to is the increasing involvement of foreign nationals in these illegal mining activities.
This development further complicates efforts to curb galamsey as it crosses international boundaries.
In response to this crisis, the DCE proposed a comprehensive solution that involves government support for the military to employ helicopters for aerial patrols over river bodies.
This strategy would aid in identifying and dispersing illegal miners, effectively thwarting their operations.
The detrimental impact of galamsey along the Pra River was affirmed by local farmers who cultivate crops along the riverbanks.
These farmers voiced their frustration over the negative consequences of foreign illegal miners passing through their lands and the pollution of the river, which adversely affects their crops.
The urgent plea from Hon. Paul Asamoah Gyemah highlights the critical need for a united effort at various levels of government to combat the persistent issue of galamsey.
Such a collective approach is crucial to protecting the natural resources and livelihoods of the local communities while ensuring the sustainable development of the region.