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Sefwi Amoaya residents concerned as illegal mining resurfaces, polluting River Bia and creating hazardous pits
via GhanaWeb1 min read
Residents of Sefwi Amoaya in Ghana's Western North Region are once again alarmed by the return of illegal mining, months after successfully opposing such operations. A report on May 6, 2026, detailed past community resistance that led to violence, including the vandalism of an Assemblyman's store, the burning of a former chief's vehicle, and damage to the chief’s palace. The former chief later passed away, and the Assemblyman is still recovering from his losses. Despite these past events, illegal miners have returned, causing renewed fear. The River Bia is now heavily polluted, and a central town area has become an active mining site with large, uncovered pits, posing significant risks, especially to children. A representative at the chief’s palace, Ofori, stated that efforts are being made to stop the operations, but mining continues. Residents describe the situation as dangerous, citing past fatalities from abandoned galamsey pits. With mining now occurring in the heart of the community, residents are urging authorities to intervene swiftly to halt these illegal activities and ensure safety.
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