Akim Pankese chief, residents appeal to government over devastating galamsey activities

The Chief of Akim Pankese, a rural community in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region, Nana Dr. Boakye Darkwah III, together with residents, is calling on President John Dramani Mahama and relevant stakeholders to urgently intervene in what they describe as the devastating impact of illegal mining activities in the area.

According to the Chief, he and his elders have made several efforts to curb the menace, but limited government support has rendered their interventions largely ineffective.

Nana Dr. Boakye Darkwah III appealed when a community watch reporter visited the area to document the situation.

Residents say the activities of illegal miners are now threatening the survival of the community. Water bodies have been heavily polluted, school buildings are at risk of collapse due to proximity to mining sites, and electricity infrastructure, including high-tension poles, is being damaged.

They also raised concerns about homes being undermined by excavations, widespread deforestation, and the destruction of sacred ancestral shrines. In addition, they cited reports of fatalities among young people following the collapse of illegal mining pits.

The Chief lamented that the situation reflects what he described as weak commitment and insufficient enforcement in the fight against illegal mining, allowing both local and foreign actors to operate with impunity.

Residents who also spoke echoed similar concerns, urging government to take swift and decisive action to address the worsening environmental and safety crisis in the community.