By Ashiadey Dotse
The once-flowing River Ankobrah has been turned into a stagnant brown pool by illegal miners, raising concerns about environmental destruction and the survival of communities that depend on the river as the fight against galamsey continues.
A team led by Investigative Journalist, Erastus Asare Donkor traveled along the river, starting from its estuary where it meets the sea. The river, which has long been polluted by illegal mining activities, appeared green at the estuary, but further investigation revealed the true extent of the damage.
As the team moved upstream, they discovered large-scale mining operations at Eshiem just inches away from the river Ankobrah. A miner, identified as Lopez, admitted to the illegal activities, despite possessing documents for a concession. The river’s natural flow had been altered, and its waters turned a murky brown due to ongoing illegal mining activities.
A shocking discovery was made at Awodua, near Prestea, where illegal miners had blocked and redirected the river to facilitate their operations. Even more disturbing was a complete blockade at Heman close to Prestea, where miners had built an embankment, preventing the river from flowing and turning it into a stagnant pool and are mining directly in the main basement of the Ankobrah.
This illegal mining activity has had devastating consequences. The local economy, which depends on a clean Ankobrah River, is at risk. The sea has even started pushing its salty water into the river due to the lack of fresh water flow. Residents say the water now tastes salty and is undrinkable.
He stated that community leaders and local authorities are supretended over these illegal operations to continue unchecked. The river, once a lifeline for many, is now heavily polluted and struggling to survive.
