Residents worried over abandoned galamsey pits

Residents of Akyem Muoso in the Atiwa District of the Eastern region are worried over the increasing number of abandoned mining pits in the area saying it poses serious danger to them.

They allege that some mining companies that were given concessions close to their homes, have refused to cover the pits putting the lives of the community members especially children under threat.
Assembly Member for the area, Kwame Nyarko disclosed to Nyarko Abronoma of Koforidua-based Bryt FM that several appeals to the appropriate authorities have yielded no result as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) looks indifferent to their plight.

“I petitioned the Regional EPA office on the matter but it would be surprising to note that they came to the community without even informing me even though they had my contact,” he said.

He turned his steam on traditional authorities in the area for failing to collaborate in the fight against illegal mining activities in the area which is destroying arable lands meant for crop cultivation and polluting water bodies because they are direct beneficiaries in a way.

“Activities of galamsey is destroying our cocoa farms and water bodies but it is surprising to see our chiefs looking on adamant” Nyarko lamented.