Charlotte Ndah, the Wenchi Zonal Director of the Fisheries Commission in the Bono Region, has expressed concern that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, around water bodies is causing a decline in fish production across the region.

She said fishermen, particularly those operating on the Bui Dam Reservoir in the Banda District, had consistently complained of reduced fish catches, attributing the situation to illegal mining activities in the area.

“The chemicals being used by the illegal miners have exterminated and also driven the fishes away and seriously affected our waters,” Mrs Ndah stated.

She was speaking to the media on the sidelines of a research project and stakeholders’ engagement organised by the School of Natural Resources of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) at Fiapre, near Sunyani.

The programme, held on the theme: “Partnering Innovative Research in Natural Resources for Sustainable Development,” brought together industry players, development organisations, professional bodies and institutions, including the Fisheries Commission and the Environmental Protection Authority.

Mrs Ndah said effective law enforcement remained the surest means of curbing illegal mining and safeguarding water bodies.

She explained that the Commission’s law enforcement unit was collaborating with stakeholders to control illegal mining activities and preserve the region’s water resources.

In a speech read on his behalf, Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako, the Vice-Chancellor of the UENR, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for research, innovation and community engagement.

He said the University would continue to invest in strengthening research capacity, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and building strategic partnerships to advance knowledge and sustainable development.

Professor Daniel Akoto Sarfo, the Dean of the School of Natural Resources, commended the University’s continuous support for research, innovation and academic excellence.

He said the School remained committed to producing graduates who were not only academically competent but also equipped with practical skills, ethical values and innovative thinking to contribute meaningfully to national development.