Youth in Abesim, near Sunyani, have announced plans to stage a demonstration to protest the continued pollution and destruction of the Tano River as a result of illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey.
The protest, scheduled for Friday, May 22, is being organised under the banner “Stop Galamsey in Tano River.”
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Abesim in the Sunyani Municipality, Assembly Member for the Abesim Ankobea Electoral Area, Kingsley Kusi Appiah, said pollution of the river had deteriorated significantly in recent months.
According to him, the Tano River remains the primary source of potable water for the community and surrounding areas, making the situation increasingly alarming.
Mr Appiah stressed that the planned demonstration is nonpartisan and intended solely to protect the environment and public health.
“We aren’t just registering our displeasure over the destruction of the Tano River but also want to send a signal to the security operatives and the NAIMOS to act expeditiously to protect the river course,” he stated.
He disclosed that organisers had already secured police approval for the protest and called for massive participation from residents of Abesim and neighbouring communities that depend on the river for clean water.
Mr Appiah explained that despite repeated complaints and engagements with authorities at the Sunyani Municipal Assembly, illegal mining activities around the river continue unchecked.
“The people have no option but to take to the streets,” he said.
According to him, the demonstration route will include the Tano River and the Abesim headworks of Ghana Water Limited (GWL), where water from the river is treated for public consumption.
He further urged residents to set aside political affiliations and unite in defence of the river, arguing that access to clean water and environmental protection should not be politicised.
“We cannot politicise matters relating to water and life,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, the Sunyani Municipal Chief Executive, Vincent Antwi-Agyei, reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to combating illegal mining and safeguarding the Tano River.
He called for collaboration among traditional authorities, assembly members, unit committees and other stakeholders to protect the river, which remains the municipality’s main source of drinking water.
Mr Antwi-Agyei, however, indicated that there had been some improvement in the river’s turbidity levels.
“I have been informed that the turbidity levels are improving,” he noted.
