Western Regional National Security Liaison Officer, Brigadier General Musah Whajah (Rtd.), has called for the dredging of the Bonsa River to restore its natural flow, which has been heavily polluted by illegal mining activities.

His appeal follows a joint operation by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force and Western Region National Security Operatives at Bonsawire and Essuoso in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality.

The operation, conducted on Monday, September 15, led to the destruction of four changfang machines, the seizure of ten water pumps, and the burning of makeshift structures used by illegal miners.

According to Brigadier General Whajah, the activities of illegal miners have caused severe damage to the riverbanks, blocking sections of the Bonsa River and threatening the bridge that connects Banso and Essuoso.

He emphasised that dredging is necessary to restore the river’s flow and prevent further environmental degradation.

Meanwhile, residents of Bonsawire, a community of about 1,000 people, are urging President John Dramani Mahama to expedite the establishment of a responsible cooperative mining framework.

They believe this approach will help regulate mining, protect the environment, and provide a safer livelihood for locals.

The residents noted that Bonsawire, once known for its fertile cocoa farms, has seen much of its farmland cleared as many have abandoned agriculture in favour of small-scale gold mining.

They argue that cooperative mining would balance economic activity with environmental protection.