This is because these water bodies seem to be regenerating their natural ecology following the ban on illegal mining.

Farmers in these areas also say they are happy because some illegal miners have started reclaiming some mined sites in the area.

At the time of Citi News’ visit, some of the mined sites in Kyebi, Asikam, Segyimase and Anyinam had all been reclaimed.

Four months ago, the government waged a war against illegal mining, popularly called galamsey, and further placed a six-month ban on all forms of small-scale mining activities. The measures seem to be yielding some positive results.

Others mining illegally at night

Although two major gains are being made in some parts of the region, CitiNews’ checks in some parts of the area, have revealed a covert operation by some illegal miners to outwit the government.

Barley four months into the fight against illegal mining, some of them in areas such as Kwabeng and Anyinam now operate in the night when there are no security personnel available.

The miners place their spies at vantage location to look out for the security personnel. These spies inform them of the presence of any security personnel who will be a threat to their activity.

Click below to watch video:

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By: Kojo Agyeman/ Nii Amartey Karnaku/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Kyebi river, others improve after galamsey fight [Video] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The Professor, who made this statement while addressing a gathering at this year’s World Environment Day Celebrations which was held at Kyebi in the Eastern Region on the theme “Connecting people to Nature from Cape Three Points to Bawku” said “Ghana has rich biodiversity that provides the food and water we need, and most of the resources for our industries and health services, we need to recognize the inherent value of natural resources in order to conserve lands and our natural resources.”

The Minister also expressed greater worry about the damaging extent of the country’s environment due to the menace of illegal mining, which has destroyed a great portion of the country’s forest and river bodies, he stated

“We need to improve our understanding of the links between biodiversity, ecosystems and human beings, and stop the decline of natural resources else failure to act now, would cause more decline in natural resources which we would pay a high price for in the near future, we should be mindful of our individual actions towards preserving natural resources in the country because our actions may  have adverse effects on animals that can transfer poison to humans as we consume them.”

He stated that government is committed  to stopping illegal mining and restoring the country’s lands and water bodies.

“In view of this, we are in the process of developing a coherent national biodiversity policy that will help conserve the ecosystem and species in the country’s natural reserves.”

The Member of Parliament for Nkawkaw, Hon. Eric Kwakye Daffour, who is also the Eastern Regional Minister, expressed disappointment over the extent of damage caused to the environment through the activities of illegal mining pollution and lumbering, saying “it is unfortunate our country is currently being confronted with enormous environmental challenges with respect to its water resources and land. Never in the history of this country have we been confronted with such massive land degradation as a result of illegal mining activities,deforestation among other unhealthy  environmental activities.”

“Most of the time, we have exhibited gross disrespect  for nature through our activities, it is high time Ghanaians appreciate nature and demonstrate a strong constant connection with nature through socio-cultural activities, we need a collective responsibility to protect forest resources, lands and water bodies, which promote ecotourism and can also generate employment and wealth creation for our country,” he added.

The acting Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), John Pwamang, explained that as part of plans to ensure sustainable utilization of the country’s natural resources and preserve the environment,  the MESTI through EPA, has started a nationwide tree-growing programme.

“About 4,000 trees have been planted in Kyebi, and we are looking forward to plant more in the coming days.”

He also revealed a number of programmes the EPA together with other organizations are embarking on.

“We are coming up with strategies to help protect the environment and serve a good purpose for communities in future, with the government’s planting for food and jobs which will provide employment to millions of Ghanaians, we are reclaiming the lands to prepare most of them for the project.”

Okyehene Osaagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II, who was the chairman of the celebration, reiterated his commitment to fighting against galamsey.

“I will do everything in my power to ensure that the polluted Birim River which is in my area, is to get back to its natural state. I am very confident we will win the fight against illegal mining.”

He then called for the autonomy of the EPA, and asked the government to end poverty to enable people to desist from engaging in galamsey.

Several other ministers including the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, John Peter Amewu, Minister of Housing Hon. Atta Kyea, Deputy Minister for Gender Children and Social Protection Mrs Gifty Twum Ampofo, United Nations Resident coordinator, Christine Cloack, and a host of other dignitaries from the Chinese Embassy in Ghana also joined in this year’s celebration.

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By: Neil Nii Amatey Kanarku/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Biodiversity policy will conserve Ghana’s ecosystem – Frimpong Boateng appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The four, Felix Akutei 20, Carbo James 19, Tetteh James 19, and Asamoah Enoch 20, were busy mining in the river when the Kade District Security Committee (DISEC) together with the police command which had embarked on a clamp down operation sighted them while on patrol.

[contextly_sidebar id=”lBqIbKgF0Ykd8rq7ZT3matfmIDFp7lXO”]The four are in police custody assisting with further investigations, while four ‘Chanfan machines, five water holes, nine washing carpets and three shovels were also retrieved from the site.

The Eastern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Ebenezer Tetteh, who confirmed the arrest to Citi News, said “on June 1st, the District Security Committee (DISEC), assisted by the Kade Police Command, decided to embark on an operation at Dua Nkwanta stretch of the Birim River to clamp down on the activities of illegal miners. When the team got to a site, six young men were found at the site busily mining in the river, the young guys on seeing them took to their heels , unfortunately two managed to swim across the Birim River and escaped, but the other four were arrested by the team and are currently in custody”

“We are advising them to humbly turn themselves into the police or just walk into any police station to report.”

Asp Ebenezer Tetteh added that, “police here are committed to fighting galamsey in the Eastern Region, and we will make sure we make galamsey unpopular and uncomfortable for the operators “.

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By: Nii Amatey Kanarku/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post 4 arrested for mining in Birim River at Kade appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Some illegal miners reportedly attacked the Police who were on operation to stop them from mining in the Birim River.

The Eastern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nketsia Yeboah, told Citi News that the incident occurred around 11:00am on Thursday.

“On Thursday, the Police Command was directed to go to Asamanma to arrest those who are mining in the River Birim with some equipment imported from China. So our officers and men went there around 11:00am; but when they got to the River bank, the galamsey operators mobilized and blocked their access back to town.”

“In the violent exchanges, two police officers were seriously wounded, two of the galamsey operators were killed, and eight of them were wounded. One of the air-conditioned buses the Police used for the operation was smashed, and ten people including two Police officers were wounded.

ASP Yeboah also hinted that, although the Police were outnumbered by the galamsey operators, they were still able to make some arrests.

“They outnumbered the Police that is why the Police team decided to retreat; but unfortunately they also prevented them from retreating and they started pelting them with stones. We’ve retrieved two catapults, one single barrel gun and 22 of them including the one in POP are now in Police custody,” he added.

Birim River severely polluted by ‘galamsey’

Residents of the Eastern Region risk losing the Birim River to illegal mining. The River is their main source of water treated by the Ghana Water Company for onward distribution.

The Kyebi Water Treatment Plant, which takes its source from the River, has been earmarked for shut down following such activities.

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By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @AlloteyGodwin

The post 22 illegal miners arrested for mining in Birim River appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.