Residents of Kyebi in the Eastern Region’s East Akim Municipal District are bracing for the worsening effects of illegal mining (galamsey), which has caused severe pollution of local water bodies.
The ongoing environmental degradation is expected to bring increasingly devastating consequences for the community’s water resources.
This development follows a video shared by X (formerly Twitter) user @SneakerNyame_, showing discoloured, yellowish tap water flowing in Kyebi.
The alarming footage highlights the dire situation some residents are facing, with the water’s poor quality attributed to the destructive effects of illegal mining (galamsey) activities.
Meanwhile, it would be recalled that, about two years ago, former president John Mahama, revealed that, Kyebi which is reported to be the hometown of the incumbent president, Nana Akufo-Addo is the galamsey headquarters in Ghana.
A U.S.-based Ghanaian Mining Consultant and Engineer supported the former President’s statement, asserting that it is indeed factual and beyond dispute.
Dr. Owusu emphasized that the current state of the Birim River, alongside the widespread degradation of lands in the Kyebi area, serves as undeniable evidence confirming the ex-President’s claims.
Also, in recent times, several associations including organised labour have advocated for a halt to galamsey activities, threathening a nationwide strike over government’s delayed actions to address illegal mining activities well known as galamsey