The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Aowin, Mr. Stephen Morcher, has disclosed that the assembly will be spending approximately GH₵2 million to drill boreholes in some communities affected by illegal mining activities (galamsey).
According to him, galamsey operations have severely polluted the streams and rivers that previously served as the main sources of water for many residents. As a result, communities that once depended on these natural sources are now in desperate need of potable water, prompting the municipal assembly to intervene.
Mr. Morcher revealed that the assembly has received a total of GH₵5.8 million from the District Assembly Common Fund. However, due to the urgent need to provide clean drinking water, about GH₵2 million of this amount will be allocated toward the drilling of boreholes in the most affected communities.
He emphasized that if the rivers and water bodies had not been destroyed by galamsey activities, the assembly could have used the funds for other essential development projects such as schools, health centers, and road infrastructure. He reiterated that the government is not against mining but is committed to promoting responsible mining practices that safeguard the environment.
The MCE made these remarks on October 13, 2025, during a community engagement event held at Jensue in the Aowin Municipality. The event was organized by the Minerals Commission to educate residents on responsible mining and how to acquire licenses for legal operations.
Speaking at the same event, Mr. Steven Korshi Agbo, Deputy Manager and Social Scientist at the Minerals Commission, warned about the long-term consequences of illegal mining. He stated that if the destruction continues, Ghana may be forced to import water for domestic use within the next decade—a situation that poses a serious threat to national health and sustainability.
Mr. Agbo also raised concerns about the health risks associated with chemicals used in illegal mining. He noted that exposure to these substances is already leading to birth deformities in mining communities, with some babies reportedly born without sex organs or with multiple limbs. He urged miners to acquire licenses and cooperate with the Minerals Commission to protect water bodies, land, and forests for future generations.
