Konongo, a town in the Ashanti region, is facing an escalating crisis as illegal mining activities, locally known as galamsey, have taken hold, causing widespread alarm among residents.

These unregulated operations have severely polluted the Owere River, the primary source of water for Konongo and surrounding areas, sparking outrage.

The mining, located dangerously close to the Kumasi-Accra highway, has intensified near homes, businesses, and even churches. Heavy machinery, including excavators, is being used with little regard for the proximity to residential areas.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minerals Commission have also been drawn into the fray, stating that they were informed of a dredging project initiated by the Asante Akim Central Assembly but had no knowledge of the extensive mining operations now taking place. This lack of transparency has only heightened tensions in the town.

Residents accuse authorities of turning a blind eye to the destruction of essential water sources and farmlands. They also allege that efforts have been made to conceal the damage from passing travelers by deliberately obstructing views from the main highway.

Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament's Lands and Forestry Committee, Alhassan Suhuyini, has expressed disappointment in the government for failing to walk the talk when it comes to combating illegal mining activities.

In an interview on TV3's Ghana Tonight Show, he said, "How come the District Chief Executive is still at post 24 hours after this came to light? The president and the government must be ashamed. There have been several instances of embarrassment as far as this menace is concerned."

Compounding the issue, a stretch of the highway near the mining site has been deteriorating for years, with no government action despite numerous appeals.

The situation has led to growing concerns about the government's ability to regulate illegal mining and protect the environment. Locals are demanding immediate intervention to halt the mining activities and restore their water supply before the damage becomes irreversible.