The youth of Abesim, near Sunyani, have announced plans to stage a demonstration over the worsening pollution and destruction of the Tano River, which they say is being driven by illegal mining (galamsey) activities in the area.
The Assembly Member for the Abesim Ankobea Electoral Area and convener of the “Stop Galamsey in Tano River” protest, Kingsley Kusi Appiah, said the situation has deteriorated significantly in recent months.
He confirmed that the demonstration is scheduled for Friday, May 22.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Abesim in the Sunyani Municipality, Mr. Appiah said the Tano River remains the community’s main source of potable water, making its protection critical.
He stressed that the protest is non-partisan and urged all residents to take part.
“We aren’t just registering our displeasure over the destruction of the Tano River but also want to send a signal to the security operatives and NAIMOS to act expeditiously to protect the river course,” he said.
Mr. Appiah added that organisers had secured police approval for the march and called on residents of neighbouring communities, who also depend on the river for drinking water, to join the demonstration.
He noted that despite repeated complaints to the Sunyani Municipal Assembly, illegal mining activities in the area have continued unabated, leaving residents with little option but to protest.
The demonstration is expected to move through key points, including the Tano River and the Abesim headworks of the Ghana Water Limited (GWL), where water is treated for public supply.
Mr. Appiah also appealed for unity among residents, urging them to put aside political differences and focus on protecting a resource vital to human survival.
“We cannot politicise matters relating to water and life,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Sunyani Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Vincent Antwi-Agyei, reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to addressing illegal mining and safeguarding the Tano River.
He called for cooperation from all stakeholders, including traditional authorities, assembly members, and unit committees, to protect the river, which serves as the municipality’s main source of drinking water.
However, he noted that water quality indicators had shown some improvement. “I have been informed that the turbidity levels are improving,” he added.