Konongo residents demand action against illegal mining affecting water bodies

A crisis is unfolding in Konongo, in the Ashanti region, where active mining operations have taken over the town, threatening to destroy a major water source and sparking outrage among residents.

The mining activities, located on the main Kumasi-Accra highway, are polluting the Owere River, which supplies water to communities in Konongo and surrounding areas.

Excavators and mining equipment are actively being used, mere meters away from homes, churches, and businesses.

The Head Pastor of the New Life Church of Light expressed anger and concern over the development, highlighting the devastating impact on the community.

Environmental Protection Agency and Minerals Commission officials claim they were only informed about a dredging exercise by the Asante Akim Central Assembly, but were unaware of the mining activities.

Residents are frustrated, citing the continuous destruction of water bodies and farmlands due to illegal mining.

The area has been blocked to conceal the extent of the destruction from highway travellers.

A portion of the highway, near the mining site, is caving in and has yet to be repaired despite years of appeals.

The situation has raised serious concerns about the government’s ability to regulate mining activities and protect the environment.

Residents who spoke to Citi News are demanding immediate action to halt the mining and restore their water source.

Source: CNR