Omanghana
Residents, palm oil producers, fishermen, and commuters in the Twifo Atti-Morkwa District have appealed to the government to intensify efforts to halt illegal mining activities along the Pra River, warning that continued pollution is threatening livelihoods, local businesses, and the environment.
The renewed calls, highlighted in reports monitored by the Ghana News Agency (GNA), come amid growing concerns over the deteriorating condition of the river, which serves as a vital resource for surrounding communities and holds significant cultural and spiritual importance for many residents in the Twifo Praso area.
Pollution Disrupts Local Industries
Palm oil manufacturers in the district say the worsening state of the Pra River has severely affected their operations.
According to local producers, including Madam Sarbina Essien and Mr. Joseph Yeboah, the river’s once-clear waters have become heavily polluted with mud and mining waste, making them unsuitable for processing activities and other daily uses. The contamination has also affected farming activities that depend on reliable access to clean water.
Many operators fear that without immediate intervention, their businesses and incomes will continue to suffer.
Calls to Remove Illegal Mining Equipment
Community members are urging the government to take decisive action by dismantling dredging equipment and other machinery used by illegal miners operating along the river.
Residents argue that removing these installations is essential to preventing further environmental degradation and restoring the health of one of the region’s most important water bodies.
They also want authorities to strengthen monitoring efforts to stop operators from returning after enforcement exercises.
Fishermen Report Declining Fish Stocks
Local fishermen say illegal mining has had a devastating impact on aquatic life in the Pra River.
The discharge of mining waste and sediment into the water has reportedly reduced fish populations, undermining a key source of income and food for families that depend on fishing for their livelihoods.
Community members warn that continued environmental damage could have long-term consequences for both local economies and food security.
District Assembly Outlines Its Response
Responding to the concerns, Twifo Atti-Morkwa District Chief Executive Isaac Yawson stated that a significant number of illegal miners have already been removed from the area under the current administration.
He indicated that the district is pursuing a strategy aimed at encouraging eligible local miners to transition into regulated, community-based small-scale mining operations that comply with environmental standards and legal requirements.
The approach seeks to balance economic opportunities with the need to protect natural resources and allow affected ecosystems to recover.
Enforcement Challenges Persist
Despite previous joint operations by state agencies targeting illegal mining activities along the Pra River, residents say enforcement remains inconsistent.
Earlier crackdowns reportedly led to the destruction of numerous illegal dredging platforms, including so-called “Chang Fang” machines used in river-based mining. However, community members contend that organized groups often return after raids, taking advantage of gaps in surveillance and enforcement.
As frustration grows, residents are calling for sustained government action to safeguard the Pra River, restore damaged ecosystems, and protect the livelihoods of the thousands of people who rely on the waterway for their daily survival.
Source: Omanghana
