By Yussif Ibrahim, GNA
Fomena (Ash), Jan. 08, GNA – Asaase EcoGreen Solutions Ghana (AESG), an environmental civil society organisation, has expressed concern over the increasing destruction of biodiversity in the Adansi North District due to persistent illegal mining activities.
The AESG warned that the district’s ecosystems, livelihoods, and climate resilience are under serious threat.
Illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, continues to degrade forests, pollute water bodies and destroy fertile farmlands across the district.
Even more dangerous is the use of cyanide for the extraction of gold, mostly by Burkinabes, who have invaded the district to participate in the illegality.
These activities are undermining the ecological systems that support agriculture, water security, and community wellbeing.
Mr. Dawud Suleiman, the Acting Executive Director of the civil society organisation, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that, the loss of biodiversity in the Adansi North District had reached alarming levels.
He said: “Biodiversity is the foundation of our livelihoods and environmental health.
“What we are witnessing in Adansi North is not just land degradation, but the gradual collapse of ecosystems that sustain farming, clean water, and community resilience.”
Adansi North District, with a population of over 54,000 people, lies within a semi-deciduous forest zone and is predominantly agrarian.
Agriculture employs more than 60 percent of the population, making the protection of land, forests and water bodies critical to local development.
However, illegal mining has led to widespread vegetation being cleared away, destroying habitats for plant and animal species and disrupting essential ecosystem services such as soil fertility, pollination, and natural water regulation.
Communities such as Dinkyiea, once known for cocoa production, now face declining yields due to degraded lands.
Water bodies within the district have also been severely affected.
Sedimentation and toxic substances associated with illegal mining have polluted rivers and streams relied upon by communities for drinking water, irrigation, and fishing.
This contamination has reduced aquatic life and poses serious public health risks.
“Soil degradation and polluted water sources are directly linked to rising food insecurity and health challenges in our communities, Mr. Suleiman added, explaining, that, “protecting biodiversity is therefore a development priority, not an option,”
Asaase EcoGreen Solutions Ghana is calling for stronger enforcement of environmental laws, increased community participation in environmental monitoring, restoration of degraded lands, and the promotion of sustainable livelihood alternatives for mining-affected youth.
It is also proposing that the District Assembly should take advantage of the DRIP machines to reclaim and restore lands that have been destroyed by illegal mining activities.
Mr. Suleiman emphasised that community awareness and local action must complement enforcement efforts.
“We believe that sustainable development in Adansi North can only be achieved when communities are empowered to protect their natural environment.
We cannot boast about economic development at the expense of the environment,” he said.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Benjamin Mensah