Atwima Nwabiagya North DCE vows to protect forest reserves and water bodies from illegal mining

By Eugene Davis

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atwima Nwabiagya North, Zecharia Mba, has reaffirmed the Assembly’s strong commitment to protecting forest reserves and water bodies in the district from the threat of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

According to him, the district, through the Barekese Dam, supplies about 80 percent of potable water to the Ashanti Region, making it imperative to preserve the area’s natural resources for future generations.

Speaking to parliamentary correspondents on the sidelines of Parliament’s Local Government Committee sitting in the Ashanti Region—which reviewed the 2024 Auditor-General’s report on Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs)—Mr. Mba said the Assembly will not relent in its fight against illegal mining activities that threaten the environment and water bodies.

“We will not sit and allow illegal miners to destroy our forest reserves and water bodies. I have formed a patrol team in collaboration with the security agencies, and we are monitoring all vulnerable areas and river boundaries to prevent encroachment. We are not doing galamsey in my district, and we will continue to protect our water sources and farming communities,” he stressed.

Tackling Development Challenges

The DCE revealed that he inherited seven ongoing projects, out of which three are currently being completed, including a theatre complex, a maternity block, and a three-unit classroom block.

He further disclosed that the Assembly has so far mobilized GH₵1 million in Internally Generated Funds (IGF) as of September, against an annual target of GH₵1.5 million. To improve revenue performance, he said the Assembly has set new targets for its commissioned revenue collectors to boost compliance and efficiency.

Mr. Mba also highlighted challenges confronting the Assembly, including poor road networks, inadequate educational infrastructure, and limited access to potable water in some communities.

To address these issues, he announced plans to use part of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) to drill mechanized boreholes in underserved communities.

“We are on course with the projects we planned to undertake. Our focus is on improving basic infrastructure, expanding water access, and ensuring that the Barekese catchment area remains free from environmental degradation,” he said.

Safeguarding the Barekese Dam Catchment

The Barekese Dam, situated in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District, remains one of Ghana’s most strategic water sources, supplying the majority of treated water for Kumasi and surrounding areas. Over the years, increasing encroachment, illegal mining, and deforestation have posed threats to the dam’s sustainability.

Mr. Mba’s assurance aligns with the government’s broader national campaign against illegal mining and water pollution, which has seen the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Water Resources Commission intensify monitoring operations across major river basins.

“Protecting Barekese is not only about Atwima Nwabiagya North—it’s about safeguarding water for millions in the Ashanti Region,” the DCE added.