ESSAASE, E/R. — The Member of Parliament for the Suhum Constituency, Hon. Frank Asiedu Bekoe, has called for a thorough and independent investigation into mining activities in parts of the constituency, amid growing concerns over the destruction of farmlands and the pollution of the Densu River.
The MP made the call during a firsthand assessment of mining activities at Essaase and Krobomu in the Suhum Municipality of the Eastern region following complaints from residents and farmers about the impact of the operations on the environment and their livelihoods.
At Krobomu, community leaders alleged that portions of their ancestral lands had been released for mining activities without their consent. They expressed concern about the disruption of the Densu River, which they say is being diverted and polluted as a result of mining operations.
At nearby Essaase, conflicting accounts regarding land agreements and the authorization of mining activities have raised further questions about the legality and regulatory oversight of the operations.
Hon. Frank Asiedu Bekoe is therefore demanding immediate documentary evidence of all permits, mining leases, environmental approvals and other legal authorizations covering the activities.
He insisted that the matter requires an independent inquiry to establish the facts, determine whether due processes were followed, and identify those responsible for any environmental damage.
The Suhum MP stressed that the protection of the Densu River and the livelihoods of farming communities must take precedence over short-term economic gains.
He warned that the destruction of the river, cocoa farms and other agricultural lands could have far-reaching consequences for water security, food production and the future of communities within the area.
Meanwhile, farmers and other residents have also voiced their concerns over the impact of the mining activities.
They cited the destruction of productive farmlands, pollution of water sources and the potential loss of their livelihoods as some of the major consequences of the operations.
Residents are consequently appealing to the relevant authorities to intervene, investigate the activities and ensure that any mining operation in the area complies fully with Ghana’s environmental and mining laws.
The concerns have renewed calls for stronger enforcement of environmental regulations and greater protection for the Densu River, a critical water resource for communities in the region.
For the residents of Essaase, the demand is clear, any development involving the extraction of gold must not come at the cost of their farmlands, water sources and long-term livelihoods.
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