Hundreds of pupils in two basic schools at Anyinam in the Atiwa East District of the Eastern Region are at risk of falling into abandoned illegal mining pits located near their schools.
The affected schools—Anointed Preparatory School and Methodist Primary Basic School—are situated less than 20 meters from these dangerous pits.
Currently, a reclamation exercise is underway in various affected communities, led by the Atiwa East District Assembly and its Chief Executive, Ernest Owusu Ntim.
Illegal mining sites in areas such as Ahenkrasu, Nanapa, and Train Station, among others, have been left abandoned for years after miners depleted the gold resources without reclaiming the land, posing a significant threat to residents.
At Anointed Preparatory and Methodist Primary Basic School, fears are growing that pupils could fall into the concealed pits, many of which are covered with weeds.
Residents worry that a child chasing a ball into one of the pits could result in tragedy, hence the urgent calls for early reclamation.
So far, a large portion of land at Train Station has been reclaimed, while work in Ahenkrasu, Nanapa, and other areas is ongoing.
The Head of the Atiwa East District Assembly Taskforce, Abanga Bashiru, told Onua News that the District Chief Executive initiated the reclamation effort after recognising the dangers posed by the abandoned pits.
He explained that community members are familiar with those involved in illegal mining, and efforts have been made to track them and require them to sign undertakings to reclaim the land after use.
“We know them, so we trace them, take their details, and make them fill out forms. If they fail to comply, we arrest them and take them to court. Sometimes, if we don’t apply pressure, they refuse to adhere to directives,” he said.
Mr. Bashiru added that the Assembly will continue identifying those responsible and ensure they return to reclaim the degraded lands.
“We have included this in our district development plan to repurpose the land for schools and other recreational uses for the benefit of the people,” he added.
The Anyinam Zonal Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Augustine Agyei, described the threat posed by the abandoned pits as enormous.
He noted that some of the pits have become breeding grounds, further increasing the danger to children.
“We are committed to reclaiming these sites to protect the children, especially during break times when they are playing,
Mr. Agyei assured that reclamation works around the two schools would be completed within the next two weeks.
The leader of the Ghana Blue Water Guard, Ibrahim Yahuza, acknowledged that their work is challenging but assured the public of their commitment.
He highlighted the need for vehicles, motorbikes, and other logistics to enhance their operations.
Mr. Yahuza also revealed that some excavators used for illegal mining have been seized and handed over to the Assembly, adding that they remain determined to restore water bodies in the Atiwa District.
The Atiwa East District Chief Executive, Ernest Owusu Ntim, noted that Atiwa is both a mining and farming community, and it is his vision to ensure mining is conducted responsibly without adverse environmental impact.
He stated that mining ideally requires significant capital and should be undertaken by well-resourced individuals, but current practices make regulation difficult.
Ernest Owusu Ntim, DCE, Atiwa East
“When I assumed office as DCE, following directives from President Mahama to mining communities, I developed strategies to sustain proper mining practices,” he explained.
He added that the Assembly has established a taskforce to monitor mining activities.
“If you are engaged in mining in the Atiwa District, we regularly supervise your operations to ensure land reclamation after gold extraction and to prevent activities in water bodies.
We will continue to enforce these measures,” he said.
Use of Reclaimed Land
Mr. Ntim indicated that reclaimed lands could be repurposed for residential or agricultural use, depending on suitability.
“The Assembly will assess each reclaimed site to determine its best use. Some may be suitable for farming, while others could be developed for residential purposes.
These decisions will be guided by our development plans,” he said.
Responding to concerns raised by the Ghana Blue Water Guard regarding logistical challenges, the DCE noted that the Assembly has provided two pickup vehicles but acknowledged that additional resources are needed.
He assured that efforts are underway to equip the team adequately to combat illegal mining and restore water bodies to their natural state.
By 1960news.com
