Mr Paul Asumaku, a member of the Concerned Citizens of the Atewa Landscape, has raised concerns over the devastating impact of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsay, on water bodies within the Atiwaa Forest and surrounding communities.
He said although major rivers such as the Birim, Densu and Ayensu frequently attract public attention because of their deteriorating conditions, several smaller streams originating from the forest have also been severely affected by illegal mining activities.
According to him, these smaller streams are equally important because they flow through communities and serve as essential water sources for residents.
Mr Asumaku explained that the destruction of water bodies has extended beyond the major rivers, leaving several smaller streams polluted and degraded by galamsay operations.
He disclosed that the Concerned Citizens of the Atiwaa Landscape, in collaboration with the Water Resources Commission, has embarked on a project to map streams originating from the Atiwaa Forest and flowing through the 53 communities within the landscape.
He said the project is intended to identify the streams, assess their conditions and determine the extent of destruction caused by illegal mining.
Mr Asumaku expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far, revealing that the team had mapped streams in 23 out of the 53 communities.
He further disclosed that preliminary findings indicate that 58 out of the 62 streams identified have been destroyed, describing the situation as alarming and calling for urgent attention to protect the area’s water resources.
He stressed the need for stronger measures to safeguard the Atiwaa Forest and restore affected streams, noting that the water bodies are essential to the livelihoods and well-being of communities within the landscape.
Mr Asumaku said the mapping exercise would provide important information to support efforts to address illegal mining and protect the forest’s water resources for present and future generations.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Amuzu Priscilla
