The Tano River in Tano North Municipality has been severely polluted by illegal mining (galamsey), according to residents of Tanoso, forcing them to rely almost entirely on sachet water for drinking and other household needs. The aggrieved residents have also voiced their desire for swift and definitive action to protect the river, which has been their main source of water for domestic use. They said the river has degraded so badly that it’s dangerous and unusable for any household functions.
Mary Ewusi, a trader, lamented the growing cost implications of buying sachet water every day. “We can hardly afford to buy the sachet water anymore. And we really need help now,” she said. She said the pollution level was shocking, noting the once-clear river has turned brownish because of illegal miners. “Go there and check yourself that the colour of the Tano River is now brownish,” she said.
The sentiment shared by Francis Seidu was the same; he urged security agencies to increase patrols along the river to prevent illegal mining. He also reported that there is a group of galamsey operators who travel by bikes and called on the Tano North Municipal Security Committee to work fast to save the river and provide access to safe drinking water for the inhabitants. “It’s not the first time any of us complain, but it kind of seems like no one cares about the condition of the river right now,” Ophelia Badu said.
Editor:
Obiri-Yeboah
