On Sunday, October 6, 2024, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Member of Parliament for Ofoase/Ayirebi, took a firm stance against illegal mining activities, popularly known as "galamsey," within his constituency. His comments, captured during an interview, highlighted the commitment of local authorities and the people of Ofoase/Ayirebi to protect their environment, particularly their water bodies, from the devastating effects of illegal mining.
In his remarks, Oppong Nkrumah emphasized the importance of safeguarding the constituency's natural resources, particularly its rivers and streams, which have come under threat in various parts of the country due to illegal mining. "If an MP somewhere has allowed illegal mining near his constituency’s water bodies, it doesn’t mean we in Ofoase/Ayirebi will also allow that to happen," he declared. This statement was made in response to concerns about how some constituencies have failed to tackle the menace of illegal mining effectively, leading to widespread pollution of water bodies and environmental degradation.
The Ofoase/Ayirebi MP further underlined that his constituency remains vigilant and is actively working to ensure that illegal miners do not infiltrate the area. The effects of illegal mining, which include the contamination of rivers with mercury and other harmful chemicals, have had devastating consequences in many parts of the country. Communities dependent on these water sources for farming, fishing, and household use have suffered greatly, with some areas seeing a complete collapse of these vital resources.
Oppong Nkrumah’s stance reflects a broader concern within the country about the sustainability of Ghana's water bodies, which are increasingly under threat from illegal mining. His commitment to safeguarding Ofoase/Ayirebi’s natural resources serves as an important reminder of the ongoing battle against galamsey and the need for local leaders to take a stand in protecting their environment.
The MP’s statements resonate with many citizens in the constituency, who rely heavily on clean water sources for their livelihoods. His assurance that illegal mining will not be tolerated in Ofoase/Ayirebi is likely to bolster the confidence of residents in the local leadership’s ability to protect the area from environmental destruction.
As Ghana continues to grapple with the galamsey crisis, leaders like Kojo Oppong Nkrumah play a critical role in shaping policies and actions that prioritize environmental conservation and sustainable development.
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