Ivorian authorities want the government of Ghana to stop the activities of illegal miners as the menace is impacting negatively on the country’s water resources.
Ivorian water bodies that take their sources from the Western region of Ghana are heavily polluted and the situation is expected to worsen if unchecked.
The concerns were raised during a visit to the country by Ghana’s Minister of Environment, Professor Frimpong Boateng.
According to him, the neighbouring country is finding difficulty in treating its water due to the development.
“Galamsey is having an effect on Cote d’Ivoire because River Bia in the Western region enters Cote d’Ivoire almost at the lower turn. Also the Tano River enters the lagoon and is polluting the Abii lagoon so they are unable to treat water in some of their water treatment plants.”
The Minister was speaking at a stakeholders’ forum by state media organizations as part of the media campaign to end activities of illegal miners.
The coalition’s call come after a Citi FM campaign to get the government address critical issues that will culminate in curbing illicit mining in Ghana.
The station’s cause has become apparent following alarming reports that the country risks importing water in the next few years if galamsey activities are not halted.
Nonetheless, Professor Frimpong Boateng was hopeful of the NPP government’s resolve to end the menace.
“I made it clear to the Ivorian authorities that we as a government are very serious in stopping galamsey. But in all these the Ivorian people are hopeful of a positive response following the relationship between President Nana Addo and President Ouattara,” he said.
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