The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ahanta West, Ebenezer Aidoo, has called for stronger collective action against illegal mining, stressing its devastating impact on the environment and public health.

“Ghana’s water bodies and lands, which should serve as sources of drinking water, recreation, food security, and even energy generation, are gradually dying from the ravages of illegal mining activities through harmful chemical disposals,” Mr Aidoo warned.

He cited disturbing evidence of health hazards linked to galamsey, including reports of birth defects and findings that cocoyam leaves (Kontomire) from affected areas have become toxic.

“The ripple effect of galamsey is enormous. We must all come together to fight this devastating calamity,” the MCE stressed.

Mr Aidoo, together with officers from the National Security and the Ghana Police Service’s Formed Police Unit (FPU), led an operation in the Cape Three Points Forest that resulted in the arrest of seven individuals. The joint task force also destroyed more than ten “Chanfang” machines, commonly known as “one leg.”

Reaffirming his commitment to environmental protection and law enforcement, Mr Aidoo pledged that the Assembly would continue to pursue long-term strategies for sustainability and community safety.