The Western North Regional Director of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Kwesi Eyia Mensah, has attributed the pollution of Ghana’s major rivers — Pra, Ofin, and Ankobra to the unconcerned attitude of Ghanaians.
He made this disclosure during an interview on Okyeame Radio’s morning show, “Adekyee Mu Nsem”, hosted by Kaakyire and he confirmed the EPA’s complete termination of the importation and use of chanfang in Ghana, a move aimed at restoring the country’s polluted rivers. He cautioned that without stringent measures to protect these water bodies, Ghana could face a severe drinking water shortage in a few years.
He warned that anyone found with chanfang on water bodies for illegal mining or in shops for sale must immediately dispose of it, or face severe consequences if gripped by the EPA-Security Agencies monitoring team. He emphasized that the goal is a total ban on chanfang in Ghana.
Mr. Eyia Mensah noted that the previous ban on chanfang lacked proper enforcement. This time, the EPA in collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders will ensure effective monitoring to eliminate chanfang from the country. He urged Ghanaians to support this initiative.
He encouraged citizens to report any suspected chanfang activity to EPA offices or security agencies, stressing that collective effort is essential for success in this fight.
He added that responsible miners with valid licenses will be closely monitored to ensure their activities do not contaminate water bodies.
AKUAPEM-HANN KWAME OMONO ASAMOAH -Bibiani
