Twifo abodom: Cocoa farmers at Twifo Abodom in the Twifo-Atti-Morkwa District of the Central Region are appealing to the government to urgently intervene to stop illegal mining activities, along River Osene. The farmers explained that their main source of drinking water was that river, which was also used for farming, washing, and other domestic activities. They cautioned that if immediate action was not taken, the continued contamination of their only source of water with heavy metals would affect the health of the people.

According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Evils Ntikoran, Assembly Member for Twifo Abodom-Eduagya Electoral Area, noted that, together with three other assembly members, steps had been taken to minimise such operations. He urged community members to report illegal mining activities to their assembly members, the police, or the District Chief Executive (DCE) rather than taking the law into their own hands.

Mr. Isaac Yawson, the DCE for Twifo Atti-Morkwa, said he had received reports on illegal mining but traced their polluted water source to Wassa East. He said, through collaboration with the Wassa East DCE, steps had been taken to stop the illegal miners. Mr. Yawson called on traditional leaders to support government’s efforts in the fight against the menace, stressing that community cooperation was crucial in winning the battle against galamsey.