The Chief of Akim Pankese, Nana Dr. Boakye Darkwah III, has raised the alarm over the devastating impact of illegal mining activities in his community.
Nana Dr. Boakye Darkwah III, speaking with his elders and residents, described the situation as beyond measure and appealed to government and stakeholders for urgent intervention.
He said that despite their relentless efforts to curb the menace, the absence of government support has rendered their initiatives ineffective.
The chief called on President H.E. John Dramani Mahama and the National Anti‑Mining Operation Secretariat (NAIMOS) to intervene swiftly to save the community from further destruction.
According to him, the illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, pose a grave threat to the very existence of residents.
Nana Darkwah said their water bodies have been heavily polluted and that school buildings are at risk of collapse due to nearby mining operations.
He added that electricity installations, such as high‑tension poles, are being compromised; homes face the danger of being undermined by pits; and forests are being degraded.
“Even our one and only sacred ancestral shrines have been destroyed, he noted,” and the rising number of youth deaths caused by collapsing mining pits.
Nana Dr. Boakye Darkwah III lamented that the lack of focus, commitment and political will in the fight against galamsey has emboldened perpetrators, including Chinese foreign nationals, to carry out these illegal activities with impunity.
He stressed that from Nkawkaw to New Aberim Road has become a new hotspot for illegal miners, threatening the livelihoods and future of Akim Pankese residents.
Source: Nana Kofi Asante
