Galamsey Returns to Tano River, Samereboi Airstrip Four Months After Devastating Floods
Illegal mining has resurfaced along the Tano River and around the main airstrip at Samereboi in the Western Region, barely four months after severe flooding submerged large parts of the community, raising fears of another disaster.
Drone footage obtained by JoyNews journalist Erastus Asare Donkor and his team has revealed several excavators operating along the river and within areas previously affected by illegal mining.
The renewed operations have sparked concerns that the destruction of natural waterways could worsen the community’s vulnerability to flooding, particularly as some of the mining activities are allegedly being carried out with the backing of influential individuals.
The development comes months after floodwaters inundated nearly half of Samereboi, destroying properties and submerging a water pumping station operated by SARMATEX, which supplies water to the community.
Although residents continue to grapple with the impact of the disaster, there are still differing accounts of what triggered the flooding.
While some community members believe the incident resulted from the anger of river gods following the failure to perform traditional annual rituals, others have blamed illegal mining activities along the Tano and Samire rivers.
However, findings from a fact-finding exercise conducted by some local experts point to mining activities at Kyemiso as a possible major cause. According to the findings, illegal mining operations obstructed a vital water passage linking the two rivers, forcing water to flow backwards towards the town.
Despite the concerns raised by the previous disaster, mining activities have reportedly returned to the same location, with drone footage showing excavators operating within the natural watercourse of the Tano River.
The situation has also extended to the Samereboi main airstrip, where JoyNews counted more than seven excavators actively engaged in mining operations close to the township.
Evidence of the activities includes extensive excavated pits and gullies across sections of the airstrip, with some mining sites extending towards the community and the riverbanks.
The scale and proximity of the operations have raised fresh questions about the enforcement of measures intended to protect the area from further environmental destruction and prevent a repeat of the devastating floods.
With natural waterways reportedly being obstructed again and mining activities spreading across vulnerable areas, concerns are mounting over whether the relevant authorities are aware of the situation and what steps are being taken to stop the operations.
Residents now face the risk of another disaster if urgent measures are not taken to halt the illegal mining activities and protect the natural flow of the rivers.
