Ghana’s illegal mining menace, commonly known as galamsey, has long been associated with mining communities; however, it appears to be creeping closer to Ghana’s capital, Accra, triggering fear among residents around the Weija Dam following the emergence of a chanfang machine near the dam.
In a viral UTV Ghana footage showed a floating platform constructed from wood planks, plastic barrels, and ropes on the dam water, interspersed with shots of nearby residential areas and the dam’s banks.
The development has since raised serious concerns about the possible threat to the dam and Accra’s water supply, with residents calling on the relevant authorities to urgently investigate how the machine was brought to the area and determine the purpose for which it is being used.
Reports detailed that the Weija Dam supplies around 80% of Accra’s drinking water from the Densu River; the channels close to the dam have raised concerns over potential pollution of one of Ghana’s drinking water sources.
However, a UTV reporter who spoke to some community leaders revealed that they were unaware of how the chanfang machine found its way to the area. They, however, believe the machine may have been brought in to clear sand from the water body.
The Chief of the area also disclosed that the traditional authorities had not been officially informed about any activity taking place near the dam. According to him, all they had observed was the machine gathering sand from the area.
The UTV reporter further disclosed that the community could not, however, confirm whether the activity was linked to illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, stressing that they were unable to determine the exact purpose for which the machine was being used.
In other news, Rt. Rev. Dr Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, has said the government can crush illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, if they want to.
According to the Presby Moderator, the government must demonstrate the political will needed to end galamsey.
He argued that the government has the authority and capacity to tackle Ghana’s galamsey menace, calling for decisive action to be taken.
Speaking in an interview with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Wednesday, August 26, Rt. Rev. Dr Kwakye stated, “All of us are aware that this nation is in a direction that is not going to help us. The communities where mining is taking place are getting destroyed. And our waters are polluted. And we spend huge amounts of money to treat water”.
“I think that government has the political power. It also has the might to crush galamsey. If government wants to crush galamsey, government is able to.”
“I pray that this nation will rise up together. It looks like we are not angry enough to deal with it. Whatever the problems, let’s deal with galamsey because it affects me. It affects you,” he said.
“We sit in Accra; there’s no galamsey going on here, but we are all reaping from what is happening in these places,” he said.
The Presbyterian Moderator further called for a bipartisan approach to tackling illegal mining.
“We are not partisan. We are looking at the welfare and development of our nation,” he said.
“What we are seeking is for this nation to do what is right. And for this nation to be united. And that is why we are asking for a bipartisan approach. It’s important that we save ourselves,” he said.
“The water that is polluted does not ask whether your lips are NDC or New Patriotic Party. They don’t seek your partisan colours,” he said.
‘I want results, not just a state of emergency’
He, however, expressed reservations about calls for the declaration of a state of emergency to deal with illegal mining, saying, “I think it’s getting worse when people say they want a state of emergency. I personally, I do not know what they mean. A state of emergency might be declared, and it may not yield fruit”.
Watch the video below:
Fear grips residents around the Weija Dam following the emergence of a chanfang in the dam, prompting calls for authorities to investigate how it got there and its purpose.
— DEK360Ghana🇬🇭 (@Dek360Ghana) September 4, 2026
Cc:UTV Ghana pic.twitter.com/UKuFc8RKvt
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