The River Amanzule, once heavily polluted by the activities of illegal mining, has shown remarkable signs of recovery following intensified government action against galamsey in the Ellembelle Constituency of the Western Region.
This assurance was given by Mr. Mahmud Kabore, Spokesperson to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, who publicly declared the river clean and safe after personally drinking from it to demonstrate its improved quality.
Addressing Ghanaians in a live Facebook broadcast at the riverbank, Mr. Kabore recounted the drastic transformation of the river over the past years.
He noted that as recently as November 2024, River Amanzule was “muddy and milky,” rendering it unfit for human use due to extensive pollution from illegal mining activities along its banks and upstream.
According to him, the current state of the river is a clear testament to the renewed commitment of the government to protect Ghana’s natural resources.
He attributed the progress made to the leadership of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and the tireless efforts of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, whose ministry has spearheaded sustained operations against illegal mining, particularly in forest reserves and on river bodies.
“Today, River Amanzule tells a different story,” Mr. Kabore stated. “This river, which was once a symbol of environmental destruction, is now clean and drinkable.
This did not happen by chance; it is the result of deliberate policy direction, strong political will, and the dedication of officers on the ground who are enforcing the law.”
He was, however, candid in acknowledging that the fight against illegal mining is far from over. While celebrating the success recorded at River Amanzule, Mr. Kabore admitted that not all rivers across the country have experienced the same level of recovery.
He stressed that the restoration of Ghana’s degraded water bodies is a gradual process that requires sustained effort, resources, and nationwide cooperation.
“The progress we are seeing here should encourage us, but it should not make us complacent,” he cautioned. “There are still rivers in other parts of the country that remain under threat. What we have achieved at Amanzule shows that when we commit ourselves fully, change is possible.”
Mr. Kabore used the occasion to make a strong appeal to citizens, traditional authorities, and local communities to support the government’s campaign against illegal mining. He emphasized that the protection of water bodies and forest reserves cannot be left to the state alone, urging the public to report illegal mining activities and resist the temptation to engage in or shield such practices.
Environmental advocates and residents in the Ellembelle Constituency have welcomed the development, describing the revival of River Amanzule as a significant boost to livelihoods, public health, and ecological sustainability in the area.
The river serves as a major source of water for domestic use, fishing, and agriculture, making its restoration critical to the well-being of surrounding communities.
The recovery of River Amanzule, observers say, stands as a powerful symbol of what sustained political commitment and community cooperation can achieve in the fight against illegal mining.
As Ghana continues to grapple with the environmental consequences of galamsey, the Amanzule success story offers renewed hope that the nation’s rivers can be reclaimed for present and future generations.
source:Ayisah Foster
