Illegal Miners Block River Ankobra, Causing Environmental Devastation in Western Region

Illegal miners have taken over the River Ankobra in Ghana's Western Region, blocking its natural flow at multiple points in Prestea-Hemang and Awodua. This has led to devastating environmental consequences, turning the once-flowing river into a stagnant, polluted pool.¹

The miners are using excavators to mine directly in the Ankobra River Basin, violating buffer zone policies and causing irreparable damage to the ecosystem. At Ehyeamu, mining operations have encroached on the river, while at Awodua, the river has been completely blocked and contained for mining purposes.

The situation is alarming, with the river's waters trapped and exploited. The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources has assembled a special advisory team to assess the scale and impact of these activities.

This is not the first time the River Ankobra has faced pollution issues due to mining. Previous studies have shown the extent of pollution caused by illegal mining activities in the area.