Twifo Atti-Morkwa is facing a growing water crisis, with illegal mining blamed for contaminating local rivers and threatening communities’ water supply.
Hon Theophilus T. D. Vondee, Member of Parliament for the district, has raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of the River Pra and other local water bodies, linking the problem directly to the surge in illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
In response, he has launched a project to construct mechanized boreholes across several communities to improve access to clean water.
Speaking during the 69th Independence Day celebrations in Twifo Nuamakrom, Hon Vondee also called on residents to take collective action against illegal mining, reminding them that the government has declared such areas dangerous.
He further highlighted the need for stronger educational infrastructure, pointing to the Twifo Praso A/D Basic School, which has served the community for over 20 years since its establishment under former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
Hon Isaac Yawson, the District Chief Executive, urged local youth to seek sustainable livelihoods instead of participating in illegal mining, stressing the long-term risks of “galamsey” on both the environment and community development.
Mr Hakim Adei, member of the Central Regional Council of State, assured farmers that the government has policies in place to support the cocoa sector, reinforcing the importance of sustainable agricultural practices.
As the water crisis deepens, local leaders are calling for urgent community engagement and stricter enforcement against illegal mining to protect both lives and livelihoods in Twifo Atti-Morkwa.