The Member of Parliament for Wa West, Hon. Peter Lanchene Toobu, has called on the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Armah Kofi Buah, to recruit Water Guards and deploy them across the 28 communities around the Black Volta River to safeguard the water from illegal mining operators.
Hon. Toobu made this call during a tour of the affected areas on Thursday, April 24, 2025, accompanied by security officers and the newly confirmed District Chief Executive for Wa West, Mr. Richard Wulo. The lawmaker expressed concern about the devastating impact of illegal mining activities on the environment, livelihoods, clean water, and Ghana’s only Hippo Sanctuary in the Wa West district.
The MP noted that if left unchecked, the situation could affect the Jambusi Water Project, a major source of potable water for several districts in the region. Despite the aim to make arrests, no person was apprehended during the tour, as illegal miners often flee upon hearing the sound of vehicles.
Hon. Toobu emphasized the need for the Lands Minister to deploy Water Guards across the affected communities to monitor and prevent illegal mining activities. He also called for collaboration with chiefs and stakeholders in other affected areas to fight against this menace.
Dr. Bright Kumadzi, a Consultant at the Wildlife Institute, Calgary Zoo, who was part of the tour, indicated that international communities are interested in protecting Ghana’s only Hippo Sanctuary and assured support to safeguard the sanctuary and improve its tourist attraction for economic growth in the region.
By : Romanus Bombe Kyi-Era
