The uptick of illegal mining operations (Galamsey) in the Ashanti region appears not to be ending soon, as Konongo and its surrounding areas have become the epic centre of the menace.
The situation is so dire that excavators for illegal mining have found their way into the middle of Konongo, a few meters from the Kumasi-Accra highway.
Impeccable information emanating from Konongo has it that illegal mining has taken a strong turn in the enclave, pollluting the River Oweri, leading to outrage among the residents.
Apart from Oweri, areas such as Kyekyerewere, Akranteabesa, Atunsu and Agyareagu, among others, have been affected.
The residents are unhappy about the ongoing destruction that is occurring under the nose of authorities.
One of the dangerous areas where the mining is underway is a few meters from the Kumasi-Accra Highway, under the watch of the municipal and regional authorities.
In an interaction with a resident who gave his name as Agyapong, he expressed worry about the pollution of River Oweri, a water source that serves the people of Konongo since time immemorial.
He bemoaned why such an illegality, which is threatening the survival of the residents, would be allowed to fester without any action from traditional leaders and the assembly.
Adding his voice to the issue was the Head Pastor of the New Life Church of Light, Rev’d Raphael Oppong, who expressed his outburst at the environmental degradation going on at Konongo, which is not far from his chapel.
The Environmental Protection Agency and the Minerals Commission have stated that they are unaware of the mining in the area, emphasising that the EPA is only aware of a dredging exercise being carried out by the Asante Akim Central Assembly and is not aware of the mining activities.
Reached on phone, the Municipal Chief Executive of Konongo, Mr. Robert Yaw Kwakye, told The Chronicle that the ongoing illegal mining in the centre of the city has been stopped.
According to him, the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) has waded into the issue, disclosing that ongoing illegal mining at Owiremu has been stopped and that the excavators have been taken away.
Asked about illegal mining in Kyekyerewere, Akranteabesa, Atunsu and Agyareagu, Kwakye could not respond to the question, except to say he would call back.
