The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Abuakwa South, Addo-Aikins Junior, has vowed to lead a relentless fight against illegal mining (galamsey), which he says is destroying water sources and threatening the livelihoods of residents in the municipality.
Speaking after appearing before Parliament’s Local Government and Rural Development Committee on Friday September 19, Mr. Addo-Aikins lamented the impact of galamsey on communities such as Kyebi, which he said currently lacks potable water due to the destruction of the Birim River.
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“As I speak to you, there is no drinking water in Kyebi. Our taps are not flowing because selfish individuals have blocked the Birim River and are mining in it. Some are even mining at the riverbanks.”
“We have therefore initiated a harsh operation to ensure we wipe off all these individuals from the banks of the river,” he said.
The MCE stressed that his outfit will go beyond chasing miners at the sites and will target the masterminds behind the operations.
“They are smart. Anytime you find a way to stop them, they find another way to dodge. But this time, it will be difficult for them,” he warned. “We are going to identify the site owners and sponsors and go after them in their homes, because it is illegality. Just like armed robbers are pursued after investigations, we will also arrest those behind galamsey.”
Mr. Addo-Aikins emphasized that his actions are in line with President John Mahama’s renewed anti-galamsey agenda.
“I am the President’s representative in the municipality, and for that matter, I am championing the President’s agenda. We are also working closely with chiefs, traditional leaders, and religious bodies to ensure this fight succeeds,” he added.
Beyond the fight against galamsey, the MCE pledged to complete all abandoned projects in the municipality.
He mentioned, among others, a 12-unit classroom block at Asiakwa, an abandoned MCE’s bungalow at Kyebi, and an ongoing new MCE’s bungalow.
“These are legacy projects we must finish. The abandoned bungalow that illegal miners have turned into a base will be renovated and restored,” he assured.
Mr. Addo-Aikins expressed confidence that with strong community and stakeholder support, Abuakwa South can become “a resilient municipality capable of sustaining itself financially while safeguarding its natural resources.”