Sunyani: Nana Alhaji Alhassan Abdulai Mayanka, a prominent Muslim leader, has called for united efforts to combat illegal mining activities, known locally as galamsey, along the Tano River in the Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region. He expressed concerns that these activities are depriving local communities of access to clean water.
According to Ghana News Agency, Alhaji Mayanka, who also serves as the Tubahene (sub-chief) in the Bono Region, urged the Bono Regional Security Council to intensify their initiatives to address the issue and work towards restoring and preserving the Tano River. He warned that without immediate intervention, the Tano River, a major source of drinking water in the region, could be severely damaged, leading to water shortages.
Alhaji Mayanka emphasized that not everyone has the means to install mechanized boreholes in their homes, and stressed the importance of preventing a few individuals from endangering the community's access to clean water. He suggested that enforcing existing laws and prosecuting those involved in galamsey could act as a deterrent to others considering similar activities.
In addition to addressing the galamsey issue, Alhaji Mayanka advised Zongo communities to maintain proper environmental cleanliness during the Eid-ul-Adha celebrations, and encouraged Muslim youth to observe the festivities in moderation.