Illegal mining—commonly known as “galamsey”—is threatening to devastate farming livelihoods and pollute vital water sources in the Twifo Atti Morkwa District of the Central Region, sparking urgent appeals from traditional authorities and residents.
Chief of Twifo Mmaa Baasa, Nana Kofi Afful II, has made a passionate call to the government and relevant authorities to intervene swiftly to halt the surge in illegal mining operations ravaging the area. According to the chief, the unchecked activity has rendered water bodies unsafe and dramatically reduced agricultural productivity over the past decade.
“Our rivers are no longer fit for use. Farmers can’t rely on the land or water anymore, and this is threatening our way of life,” Nana Afful lamented.
Residents echoed the chief’s concerns in interviews, revealing how their farmlands—once fertile and productive—are deteriorating. The community, known for producing tiger nuts, cassava, cocoa, maize, and vegetables, is seeing a steady decline in yields and rising rates of crop disease.
Samuel Aidan, a local farmer, noted that annual harvests have shrunk considerably, while Yaw Asare pointed to strange diseases affecting crops, which he believes are linked to chemical runoff from illegal mining. Agnes Kwaa added that the encroachment on farmlands has left little room for expansion, worsening the economic pressure on farmers.
Beyond Twifo Mmaa Baasa, communities including Mampong, Morkwa, Agon, Bimpoagya, Tekyikurom, and Kyeaboso are reporting similar struggles, with many blaming illegal mining for the disruption of their traditional agrarian economy.
As environmental degradation deepens and livelihoods come under threat, the community is pleading for decisive action to reclaim their land and future.
