District Chief Executive (DCE) for Twifo-Atti-Mokwa, Isaac Yawson, has urged the government to immediately ban the importation of Chanfan machines to curb illegal mining activities affecting water bodies.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Blue Water Guards in Morkwa, Mr Yawson emphasised that illegal miners relied on these machines to operate in river ecosystems, making their importation a key factor in the menace.

He expressed concern over the devastating impacts of illegal mining, including environmental degradation and public health issues such as kidney failure and birth defects.

Mr Steven Abgo, representing the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, urged traditional leaders to support the Blue Water Guards to ensure they could operate without fear of attack.

He warned that Ghana might be forced to import water if galamsey was not checked and linked health issues, including kidney failure and cancer, to illegal mining, calling on all stakeholders to support the fight against the practice.