The Bui Dam, Ghana’s second-largest hydroelectric facility, is under severe threat from the escalating illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, occurring in its surrounding areas. The dam, with a 400-megawatt capacity, is a critical component of Ghana’s energy infrastructure, and the ongoing environmental degradation caused by galamsey poses a significant risk to its operational efficiency and long-term sustainability. The illegal mining operations, characterized by deforestation, land excavation, and the use of toxic chemicals, are polluting the Tain River, a vital water source for surrounding communities and a key tributary feeding the Bui Dam reservoir. This pollution, evidenced by the river’s murky brown discoloration, threatens not only the dam’s functionality but also the livelihoods of communities dependent on the river for drinking water, irrigation, fishing, and other domestic uses. The situation demands urgent and decisive action to mitigate the damage and prevent further environmental degradation.
The Bono Regional Minister, Mr. Joseph Addae Akwaboa, accompanied by the Regional Security Council (RESEC), conducted a fact-finding tour of galamsey-affected areas, including Branam, Wenchi, and Surugbokrom in the Banda District. The tour revealed the extent of the environmental damage and highlighted the urgency of the situation. Mr. Akwaboa expressed deep concern over the rampant deforestation, destruction of water bodies, and encroachment on agricultural lands, particularly cashew farms. He warned that if the illegal mining activities remain unchecked, they could lead to severe food and water shortages, further jeopardizing the well-being of local communities. The Minister also identified nomadic cattle herdsmen as an additional environmental threat, compounding the challenges facing the region. He indicated that collaborations with the Forestry Commission are underway to address the impact of cattle grazing on forest reserves.
The escalating galamsey activities are not solely driven by local miners. Reports indicate a growing involvement of foreign nationals, particularly Chinese nationals, who have partnered with local miners, providing advanced equipment and technical expertise in exchange for gold. This collaboration has led to a significant increase in the scale and sophistication of illegal mining operations, exacerbating the environmental damage. The influx of foreign actors has raised concerns about the exploitation of local communities and resources. Some landowners, driven by economic hardship, have resorted to selling their farms to illegal miners, further fueling the crisis and contributing to the widespread land degradation. The use of highly toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide in the gold extraction process poses a severe threat to human health and the environment.
The illegal miners employ rudimentary and environmentally destructive methods, including digging shallow pits to wash gold ore using toxic chemicals. Rainwater washes these chemicals into the surrounding land and water bodies, causing widespread contamination. The Tain River, a vital lifeline for numerous communities, has been severely impacted, with its waters turning a murky brown due to the persistent pollution. There have been instances where miners have directly discharged chemical-laden waste into the river, intermittently blocking its flow and posing a grave threat to aquatic life and human health. This reckless disregard for environmental regulations and public safety underscores the need for stringent enforcement measures to curb these destructive practices.
The Bono Regional Minister has signaled a commitment to tackling the galamsey menace. He hinted at a collaborative effort with the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to launch a coordinated crackdown on illegal mining operations in the region. RESEC has identified key galamsey hotspots and is finalizing strategies to eliminate the illegal activities. National Security has also been tasked with gathering intelligence on the locations and operational areas of illegal miners, information that will be crucial in guiding enforcement efforts. Mr. Akwaboa issued a stern warning to King’s Award Ghana Ltd., a gold exploration company operating in Branam, against engaging in illegal mining, emphasizing that their mandate is solely for exploration and not extraction. He also appealed to traditional authorities to refrain from leasing lands for galamsey activities, cautioning them about the potential legal consequences of their involvement.
The fight against galamsey in the Bono region requires a multi-pronged approach involving robust law enforcement, community engagement, and international cooperation. The government must prioritize the enforcement of existing environmental regulations and strengthen penalties for illegal mining activities. Collaboration with international partners can provide technical assistance and resources to enhance monitoring and enforcement efforts. Engaging with local communities is crucial to raise awareness about the environmental and health risks associated with galamsey and to foster a sense of shared responsibility in protecting natural resources. Sustainable alternative livelihood opportunities must be provided to those involved in illegal mining to reduce their dependence on these destructive activities. The long-term sustainability of the Bui Dam and the well-being of the surrounding communities depend on the swift and decisive action to eradicate galamsey and restore the ecological balance of the region.
