ADANSI SOUTH DISTRICT ASSEMBLY NADMO CONDUCTS HAZARD MAPPING ON ILLEGAL MINING AT TWAPEASE; ESCALATE SEVERE ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS TO DISEC

NADMO Conducts Hazard Mapping on Illegal Mining at Twapease; Escalate Severe Environmental Risks to DISEC

As part of its mandate to identify environmental hazards and prevent potential ecological disasters, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) Directorate of the Adansi South District Assembly recently conducted a field hazard mapping exercise at Twapease.

The assessment focused on evaluating the extent of illegal mining (galamsey) operations along water bodies and farmland in the community, as well as the associated environmental, safety, and flood hazards.

Key Findings and Operational Observations

During the field inspection, the NADMO monitoring team recorded critical hazards that pose immediate risks to public safety, water security, and rural infrastructure:

• Active Excavation & Deep Pit Hazards: Uncontrolled pit excavation activities remain actively ongoing within the Twapease enclave. Open, un-reclaimed pits pose severe risks of accidental drownings, soil instability, and cave-ins.

• Obstruction and Diversion of the Pra River: The inspection team observed that illegal miners have diverted and blocked portions of the Pra River to facilitate washing operations. This blockage creates severe environmental degradation, causes heavy siltation, and drastically increases the risk of major localized flooding during heavy rainfalls.

• Water Contamination & Loss of Farmland: Siltation and chemical runoff from mining sites continue to pollute the Pra River, threatening downstream domestic water supply, aquatic ecosystems, and nearby agricultural lands.

Escalation to District Security Council (DISEC)

In light of the severe environmental hazards, public safety risks, and breach of environmental laws observed, the Adansi South NADMO Directorate has formally compiled its findings—supported by photographic evidence captured during the exercise—and reported the issue to the District Security Council (DISEC).

The report urges swift, coordinated security interventions to halt ongoing excavation, clear blocked sections of the Pra River, and reclaim hazardous pits.

Statement from NADMO Directorate

Highlighting the urgency of the hazard mapping findings, the District NADMO Director stated:

“Illegal mining along the Pra River is not just an environmental crime—it is an impending disaster. Blocking natural river courses causes artificial flooding, destroys vital farm belts, and leaves open traps for community members. We have submitted our hazard assessment and photographic evidence to DISEC for immediate and decisive action.”