Galamsey ravages Bono Region, threatens food security

Illegal mining is rapidly destroying farmlands, rivers, and plantations in the Bono Region, endangering its status as a major food producer.

Communities such as Nipanikrom, Surubokrom, and Branam have seen vast stretches of agricultural land converted into mining sites, while rivers like the Tain have turned murky due to pollution.

Bono Regional Minister Joseph Addae Akwaboa, after inspecting the devastation, vowed to crack down on the miners and hold chiefs accountable for selling land to them. He warned that unchecked mining could jeopardize water sources and even the Bui Dam.

Meanwhile, illegal miners blame unemployment for their activities, with some claiming smaller operations cause less harm.

Authorities, however, are preparing stringent measures to halt the destruction before it worsens.