Galamsey affecting fish production in Bono Region - Fisheries Commission

Charlotte Ndah, the Wenchi Zonal Director of the Fisheries Commission in the Bono Region, expressed concern that illegal mining, known as galamsey, around water bodies is causing a decline in fish production across the region. She stated, "The chemicals being used by the illegal miners have exterminated and also driven the fishes away and seriously affected our waters." She was speaking to the media on the sidelines of a research project and stakeholders' engagement organized by the School of Natural Resources of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) at Fiapre, near Sunyani.

Fishermen, particularly those operating on the Bui Dam Reservoir in the Banda District, have consistently complained of reduced fish catches, attributing the situation to illegal mining activities. Mrs. Ndah said effective law enforcement remained the surest means of curbing illegal mining and safeguarding water bodies. The Commission's law enforcement unit is collaborating with stakeholders to control illegal mining activities and preserve the region's water resources. Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako, the Vice-Chancellor of the UENR, reaffirmed the University's commitment to creating an enabling environment for research, innovation, and community engagement.