Award-winning Multimedia Group Limited journalist Erastus Asare Donkor, has highlighted the worsening state of illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey,” in Ghana.

Mr Asare, who has received several awards for his environmental reporting that has focused on illegal mining, reports that the canker is severely damaging the country's rivers and forest reserves and negatively impacting many communities that depend on these waterways for their livelihoods.

Speaking on the Joy Super Morning Show on Monday, August 12, the producer of the “Poisoned for Gold” documentary on Joy, explained, “Galamsey is not getting better, you can see it from all the angles across the country when you are travelling.” For example, at Osino, close to the main road, illegal mining is actively occurring without proper licensing from the Minerals Commission. Similarly, at Konongo on the Kumasi-Accra road, excavators are seen digging indiscriminately. In Wassa Dadieso, the town is now a galamsey hub, with toxic mining tailings containing heavy metals flowing along the main road and affecting nearby homes.”

Mr Donkor also noted that in Konongo Odumase, illegal mining under residential buildings has led to the collapse of homes and the death of two people.

He shared a recent experience where he led some diplomats to visit Ewusiejo, a community in the Western Region, heavily affected by illegal mining.

According to him, the river vital for local agriculture and daily activities, is highly contaminated, forcing residents to use aluminum sulfate to treat the polluted water, but this process is insufficient. Many suffer from skin rashes due to the chemical reaction, highlighting the severe health implications of the contamination and the chemicals they rely on.

Mr Donkor emphasised that settling particles does not make the water safe and that many residents remain unaware of the dangers.

He further described the dire state of forest reserves, which are increasingly being invaded by illegal miners. Even areas legally designated for mining are being exploited before official activities can commence.

He attributes this exploitation to a lack of enforcement, exacerbated by the fact that a general election is approaching.

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