The Manklolo of Mepe Traditional Area, Togbe Korsi Nego VI has expressed worry over how bad mining activities have destroyed forests, lands and water bodies along the River Pra, Offin and Ankobra.

According to him, galamsey activities on the Black Volta have become a threat to the development of the country.

He noted that Ghana is still battling with the devastating effects of illegal mining activities in some areas. 

Togbe Korsi Nego VI made the comments at the grand durbar of the  67th Afenorto Festival of the Chiefs and people of Mepe in the North Tongu District.

Torgbe Korsi Nego VI added that the people of North Tongu are worried that they may wake up one day to witness illegal mining activities in their area.

"For us in Mepe in particular and North Tongu District in general, to wake up one day to see the galamsey machines floating on the Black Volta is a great concern to us," he said. 

He noted that they are alarmed by the dangers that the galamsey  activities will pose to the power generation at Akosombo and Kpong Hydro Plants, the water treatment plant at the Kpong Water Works and the community and sanitation water projects that supply water to Mepe and other towns in the North Tongu District.

Torgbe Korsi Nego VI also stressed that the galamsey activities if not controlled will pose great danger to aquatic life in the lower Volta. 

"Galamsey can destroy tilapia and clam fishing, which is one of the traditional livelihoods downstream of  the Volta River," he said.

Torgbe Korsi Nego VI said many fish farms along the lower Volta could also be wiped out by galamsey activities and tourist activities at the Volta Estuary at Ada could also be negatively impacted.

He therefore appealed to the MP, DCE and government to banish the activities of galamsey as soon as possible.  

The Chairman of the Mepe Development Association (MDA), Kojo Elenu Mawuleme Fabian said the MDA will continue to work together with all stakeholders including the Mepe Traditional Area and other relevant stakeholders to foster peace and unity as well as bring development to the area.

The Chiefs and people of Mepe have constructed a TVET School in Dadome which is at the roofing stage but needs government intervention to complete it to help the youth become financially independent through vocational training. 

Meanwhile, the celebration continues through the week with other very important activities lined up for the people.