Polluted Densu River threatens livelihoods of Doboro residents

Some residents of Ayikai Doboro, near Amasaman in the Greater Accra Region, are

grappling with the dire consequences of illegal mining activities that have severely polluted the Densu River.

In a recent interview on Channel One TV, a resident, Ebenezer Kyeremeh, expressed concern over the pollution of the water body.

"When I first came here, the Densu River was not like this. We noticed the change some months ago. For decades, we have depended on this water for our livelihood. But we cannot do so now. It has been polluted.

"In this area, we do not have consistent water supply. Many who cannot afford to drill a borehole or dig a well depend on this water for their livelihood," he stated.

Another resident, Grace Lartebea, stated, "The only water source I depended on has been polluted by illegal miners. I used to drink from the Densu River, but not anymore. Even when I boil the water, I can't drink it. We are appealing to authorities to put stringent measures in place to curb the menace."

Thomas Aziku also a resident in the community, explained that some residents are

are compelled to use the water due to the scarcity of the resource in the area.

"The water is polluted. It wasn't like this previously but we still use it because we do not have an option. We do not drink it. We use it for other purposes like cleaning and washing," he noted.

Chief Farmer in the area, William Ato, also shared how the situation has affected farming.

"We cannot use the water anymore because of the chemicals. Our crops are dying. Many of the farmers have given up because of the situation," he shared.

Another farmer, Nii Ayite, stated, "We do not have potable water in this community. Now we all have to depend on sachet water. Some of my colleague farmers use the polluted water to irrigate their crops despite the health risks."

Densu River spanning 116 kilometres is one of 16 water bodies in the country severally affected by illegal mining activities popularly referred to as galamsey.

It supplies half of Accra's drinking water and flows into significant wetlands along the Atlantic Ocean.

JKB/ ADG

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