Aowin: The Aowin Municipal Assembly has allocated GH?2 million cedis to drill boreholes in communities affected by illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey. Mr. Stephen Morcher, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), revealed this initiative during a community engagement, emphasizing that the galamsey operations had severely polluted streams and rivers, leaving residents without clean water.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Assembly received GH?5.8 million from the District Assembly Common Fund, of which GH?2 million cedis will be utilized to drill boreholes to provide potable water for the affected communities. Mr. Morcher highlighted that these funds could have otherwise been directed towards other development projects such as infrastructure for schools, health centers, and roads, if not for the destruction of water bodies by illegal mining activities.
He reiterated the government's commitment to promoting responsible mining practices and cautioned miners to adhere to the guidelines set by the Minerals Commission to protect forest reserves and water bodies. Mr. Steven Korshi Agbo, the Deputy Manager and Social Scientist at the Minerals Commission, also warned of the dire consequences if illegal mining continued in the country.
Mr. Agbo noted that Ghana might face the necessity of importing water within a decade and discussed the health risks, including birth deformities due to chemical exposure. He urged miners to acquire licenses and work in cooperation with the Minerals Commission to safeguard the environment for future generations.
