Edem Srem, a freelance journalist, has raised alarm bells over the rampant destruction of Ghana’s precious water bodies attributed to illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey.’
In a candid interview on The Point of View on Citi TV with host Bernard Avle, Srem singled out the Western Region as the epicenter of this illicit mining activity. He highlighted areas such as Wassa Dadieso, Wassa Jaman, Wassa Japa, Wassa Bepo, and Tarkwa as major ‘galamsey’ hotspots within the region.
“The Western Region is currently the worst-hit by ‘galamsey.’ It has become the ‘galamsey’ capital of Ghana. Areas like Wassa Dadieso, Wassa Jaman, Wassa Japa, Wassa Bepo, Tarkwa, and along the Bogoso-Ayanfuri highway are teeming with illegal miners,” Srem asserted, painting a grim picture of environmental degradation.
Srem lamented the devastation of forest lands adjacent to the Bogoso-Ayanfuri highway, underscoring the dire consequences of these activities on Ghana’s natural heritage.
Detailing the situation in Dadieso, Srem disclosed that an estimated 50 to 60 changfan machines are in operation, manned by about 200 young miners. He noted that while some miners hail from the local area, others come from various parts of the country, creating a transient community focused on mining activities.
“When these miners wrap up their operations, they flood the town, splurging money and transforming it into a bustling hub. However, once they move on to other sites, the town reverts to a ghostly quiet,” Srem remarked, shedding light on the economic dynamics of ‘galamsey’ operations.
Moreover, Srem condemned the perilous use of mercury in mining processes, flagging serious health risks for miners involved in small-scale mining activities.
