Konongo, in the Ashanti area, is facing a dilemma as a result of aggressive mining operations taking over the town. This is threatening to damage a significant water source and is irritating residents.
The Owere River, which provides water to people in Konongo and the adjacent areas, is being contaminated by mining operations situated on the main Kumasi-Accra highway.
Merely meters from residences, places of worship, and commercial establishments, excavators and mining machinery are in operation.
The New Life Church of Light’s head pastor lamented the development and voiced his displeasure, emphasizing its terrible effects on the neighborhood.
Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Minerals Commission assert that they were not aware of the mining operations and were only told about a dredging operation by the Asante Akim Central Assembly.
Locals express their frustration by pointing out how illegal mining is continuously destroying farmlands and water bodies.
To keep drivers unaware of the depth of the damage, the area has been closed off.
Despite years of petitions, a section of the highway close to the mining site is collapsing and has not yet been fixed.
The circumstances have given rise to grave doubts regarding the government’s capacity to control mining operations and safeguard the environment.