Residents along Black Volta urge job creation to curb illegal mining in Wa West

Residents of border communities along the Black Volta River in the Wa West District have appealed to the Ghana Boundary Commission to create alternative livelihood opportunities to help curb the growing trend of illegal mining in the area.

During a community sensitization program organized by the Ghana Boundary Commission at Maasi and Chiatanga in the Sigri Electoral Area, residents voiced concerns about the economic hardship that has driven many youths into illegal mining activities.

The program was held under the theme “Building Resilient Communities Through Responsible Local and Collaborative Boundary Management.”

Residents told Info Radio that most of them are not engaged in illegal mining by choice, but by necessity, due to the lack of jobs and economic opportunities in the area. They highlighted the damaging consequences of illegal mining on children's education, community health, and the environment.

“We don’t want to destroy our land or our river. But the truth is, there are no jobs. If we had skills training or irrigation dams, we would farm instead,” a community member said.

The residents appealed to the Ghana Boundary Commission to implement job creation initiatives, including skills training programs and the construction of dams for irrigation farming, as sustainable alternatives to illegal mining.

In response, Mr. Solomon Abakah, the Community Relations Officer from the Minerals Commission, emphasized that while mining in itself is not harmful, the problem lies in the irresponsible practices of illegal miners who often fail to reclaim lands after mining.

“Responsible mining with proper land reclamation can be beneficial. The challenge is that illegal miners do not follow the required environmental and safety protocols,” Mr. Abakah stated.

Adding to the call for responsible resource management, Mr. Justin B. Dakpiri of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) encouraged community members interested in mining to acquire environmental permits and strictly adhere to the EPA’s conditions.

Wa West District Chief Executive, Hon. Wulo Richard, also commended the Ghana Boundary Commission for its initiative and highlighted that the government’s National Apprenticeship Program aligns with the residents’ requests for job creation.

He urged residents to take advantage of upcoming government programs aimed at equipping youth with employable skills and reiterated the importance of protecting the Black Volta and surrounding environment for the benefit of future generations.

The community sensitization is part of the Ghana Boundary Commission’s broader effort to promote peace, environmental sustainability, and local development along Ghana’s borders.