Illegal mining activities have devastated River Ankobra, transforming it into a stagnant pool. Miners have blocked the river at multiple points in Prestea-Hemang and Awodua, Western Region, preventing its natural flow. Excavators are being used to mine directly in the Ankobra River Basin, causing irreparable damage.

The once-flowing river has been polluted due to over a year of illegal mining, also known as galamsey. The situation is alarming, with mining operations encroaching on the river and violating buffer zone policies. The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources has assembled a special advisory team to assess the scale and impact of these activities.
The effects of illegal mining on River Ankobra are dire. The river’s pollution is evident, with high tide pushing seawater inland, momentarily masking the contamination. However, as you travel upstream, the true extent of the damage becomes clear. The river has become a stagnant, brown pool, trapped and exploited by illegal miners.
To combat this issue, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, has urged communities along the riverbanks to collaborate with stakeholders to prevent illegal mining activities.