Joseph Addae Akwaboa, Bono Regional Minister
Joseph Addae Akwaboa, Bono Regional Minister, has pledged to take decisive action against illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, in the region—particularly around the Bui Dam and its surrounding ecosystem.
The Bui Dam, with a power capacity of 400 megawatts (MW), is the second-largest hydroelectric generating plant in Ghana after the Akosombo Dam.
However, illegal mining activities in the area are causing environmental degradation, including deforestation and water pollution, which could significantly impact the dam’s operations.
The minister made this pledge during a tour of galamsey-affected areas in Branam, Wenchi, and Surugbokrom in the Banda District. Accompanied by members of the Regional Security Council (RESEC), the tour aimed to assess the extent of the damage and determine appropriate measures to combat illegal mining.
He noted that National Security has been tasked with gathering detailed information on the locations and operational areas of illegal miners.
“This will help us determine the most effective and stringent measures to stop illegal mining in the area. You can see the color of the Tain River, and if we don’t act fast, it will severely affect the Bui Dam,” the minister told the media.
The minister hinted at a possible collaborative discussion with the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to implement stricter measures against illegal mining. He emphasized that RESEC has identified specific locations and coordinates of galamsey operations and is advancing strategies to halt their activities.
Currently, illegal mining in Branam (Wenchi), Banda Boase, and Surugbokrom (Banda District) has become a safe haven for galamsey operators displaced from the southern sector.
Their activities have led to deforestation, destruction of water bodies, and damage to cashew farms, posing a serious environmental threat. The minister expressed concern that, if left unchecked, the destruction could lead to water shortages and food insecurity.
Additionally, he pointed out that nomadic cattle herders are also contributing to forest destruction in the area. He announced plans to collaborate with the Forestry Commission to address the issue.
Reports indicate that galamsey activities have been ongoing in the area for decades, with minimal destruction in the past.
However, since 2022, some Chinese nationals have collaborated with local galamsey operators in Surugbokrom, Branam, and surrounding communities.
These foreign operators provide equipment and technical expertise in exchange for gold, leading to a rise in sophisticated illegal mining operations.
This partnership has fueled concerns over environmental degradation and the exploitation of local communities, including the sale of cashew farms to illegal miners.
Illegal miners use toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide in the gold extraction process, often washing the chemicals into shallow pits. When it rains, these pits overflow, spreading hazardous chemicals across the land and causing severe environmental pollution.
The Tain River, which plays a vital role in the livelihoods of communities along its banks, has been severely polluted, with its water turning milky brown due to illegal mining activities.
There have been intermittent blockages along the river, with miners dumping chemicals directly into the water.
This has posed a serious threat to communities such as Wenchi, Banda, Kabrono, and Tain, which rely on the river for drinking water, irrigation, fishing, livestock, and household chores.
The Regional Minister cautioned King’s Award Ghana Ltd., a gold exploration company in Branam, Wenchi, to stay away from illegal mining, emphasizing that their mandate is solely for exploration.
He also urged traditional leaders not to engage in illegal mining or allocate land for such activities, warning that they could face legal consequences.
