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Brekusohene Rallies Nation Against Galamsey Menace

By: Elliot Sarpong

Date:

June 18, 2026

The Chief of Brekuso, Odeefo Oteng Korankye II, has called on the media, government and all Ghanaians to intensify the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), warning that the menace is destroying the country’s water bodies, environment and food systems while posing serious health risks to children and future generations.
Speaking in an interview during the Day of the African Child celebration organised by Giving World International at Brekuso in the Akuapem South Municipality of the Eastern Region, the Chief said Ghana’s increasing dependence on gold at the expense of cocoa production had fueled illegal mining activities across the country.
The event was held on the theme: “Ensuring Equal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every African Child.”
According to Odeefo Oteng Korankye II, the indiscriminate use of poisonous chemicals by illegal miners has polluted rivers, degraded the environment and contaminated food sources, thereby exposing Ghanaians to various diseases. Read Also: Tema West Polls Marred by Alleged Assault on Suapim
He appealed to the media to sustain public education on the devastating effects of galamsey, stressing that consistent awareness would discourage those engaged in the illegal activity.
The Chief also encouraged schoolchildren who participated in the event to become ambassadors for environmental protection by educating their families and communities on the harmful impact of water pollution and environmental degradation.
Touching on sanitation, Odeefo Oteng Korankye II expressed concern over the indiscriminate dumping of refuse along roads leading to Brekuso, particularly near streams that flow towards Accra. http://dailydemocratnewsonline.com
He warned that the practice poses serious public health threats and cautioned residents to stop dumping waste indiscriminately, adding that anyone caught violating sanitation laws in the area would face legal action.
Quoting biblical teachings on cleanliness, the Chief urged all Ghanaians to keep their surroundings clean and called on the government, Members of Parliament and other stakeholders to speak out and take decisive action against the ongoing galamsey crisis, warning that the country’s future is at stake.
The President of Giving World International, Madam Priscilla Yeboah, thanked the Brekusohene and Twafohene of Akuapem for supporting the programme and appealed to the government to address the water, sanitation and hygiene challenges confronting schoolchildren across the country.
She noted that many pupils continue to struggle with inadequate access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities both in schools and within their communities.
Madam Yeboah also condemned indiscriminate refuse dumping, saying it threatens the health of schoolchildren, and urged members of the public to report offenders to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
She further appealed to teachers to ensure that clean water is always available in schools to enable children to maintain good hygiene.
The Guest Speaker, Madam Elizabeth Afriyie of the Akuapem South Municipal Education Directorate, acknowledged government’s efforts to improve the welfare of schoolchildren but said greater collaboration from individuals, organisations and communities was needed.
She commended Giving World International for championing the welfare of children through water, sanitation and hygiene advocacy and encouraged parents to provide their children with hand sanitizers to help prevent the spread of diseases.

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