Mireku-Duker: Turbidity Level Of River Ankobra Improves
Hon George Mireku Duker, a deputy Minister For Lands and Natural Resources, has reported an improvement in the turbidity level of River Ankobra.
His report followed a tour of the river for an inspection four months after reinforcing the fight against galamsey- illegal mining- in the country.
He was with Hon Kwesi Bonzo, Ellembelle DCE, Hon. Dorcas Amoah, Nzema-East MCE, Mr Peter Awuah, Technical Director of Mines and other officials.
River Ankobra was among the list of rivers which changed colours due to direct and indirect illegal mining activities on them.
Samples of water JoyNews fetched in October 2022 from River Tano, Nwui, Offin, Bonsa, Bia, Ankobra, Amoya, Afu Afu and Totoa showed gross pollution.
In a Facebook post, Hon Mireku-Duker said he was “highly elated” by the development.
“On Thursday, February 16, 2023, I led a team to inspect the current state of River Ankobra, which was one of the major river bodies polluted as a result of illegal mining activities. I am highly elated to state that, the turbidity level of River Ankobra is very much better as compared to some few months ago.”
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor on October 13, 2022, announced the relaunch of Operation Halt II, a military operation that clamps down on illegal mining on various water bodies and in forest reserves in Ghana.
Among the other measures adopted by the government, he said, include the declaration of river bodies as red zones for mining; suspension of reconnaissance and prospecting activities in forest reserves except in exceptional cases; and the banning of the manufacture, sale and use of changfan.
Also are the procurement of speed boats to patrol the rivers; recruitment of river guards to support the protection of the rivers; introduction of mercury-free gold Katchas; establishment of 83 Small Scale Mining Committees in all mining districts in the country; revamping of Community Mining Schemes; and the introduction of the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme, Graphic Online reported.
Additionally, the new measures empowered military personnel undertaking Operation Halt II to do so at their discretion and without interference, with Chiefs playing key roles in the issuance of mining licences.
Hon Duker commended stakeholders for their contribution and urged them to carry on with the measures to protect the river bodies.
“I once again call on all relevant stakeholders, to keep up all efforts to ensure that, all our river bodies are clean and free from activities of illegal mining.”
He added, “the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources will continue all efforts to ensure a sustained victory against illegal mining in and along our water bodies”.
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
