By Philip Tengzu
Pemcoa Foundation LBG, an environmental-centered organisation, has launched a project in the Wa West District in response to the growing threat of environmental degradation caused by illegal mining activities in the area.
The project, being implemented in the Chiantanga, Dorimon, Bankpama, and Poyetanga communities, aimed to strengthen the resilience of communities to the social, ecological, and security impacts of illegal mining.
It was also to empower the communities to take ownership of their natural resources and play an active role in promoting environmental justice and sustainable development in the district.
Dubbed, “Green Governance Watch: Galamsey, Environment and Radicalisation in Wa West District”, the project was being funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD) of Canada under the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) 2025–2026.
Speaking at the launch in Dorimon, Mr Luke T. Dery, the Programmes Officer of Pemcoa Foundation LBG, said the project would also promote inclusive environmental governance and empower citizens to participate actively in protecting their natural environment.
He said illegal mining had posed a serious threat to the vegetative cover and water bodies in the area, especially the Black Volta River, through deforestation and the use of harmful chemicals such as mercury and cyanide.
“These impacts threaten the health and livelihoods of over 5,000 residents, especially women and girls who bear the burden of water collection and household care,” Mr Dery observed.
He expressed concern about the wanton destruction of the environment, which was also contributing to youth unemployment, land conflicts, and rising risks of radicalisation in affected communities.
He, therefore, emphasised the need for a coordinated, community-driven approach to strengthen environmental governance and peacebuilding.
The project would, among other things, train 24 youth and women from the project communities in participatory environmental monitoring, advocacy, and mapping to lead community efforts towards protecting the environment.
Also, a District Environmental Dialogue Forum would be held to co-create a Community Environmental Action Charter as a local framework to guide sustainable environmental practices and accountability.
Mr Richard Wulo, the Wa West District Chief Executive (DCE), commended the Foundation for the initiative, as that would complement the government’s efforts in fighting illegal mining in the country.
He warned that anyone caught practising illegal mining would face the law and encouraged the people in the district to follow due process to obtain licenses for responsible mining.
Some community members at the launch stated that erratic rainfall and the high cost of farming in recent years were driving many young people into illegal mining.
They, therefore, appealed for support to engage in livestock farming and apprenticeships such as tailoring and weaving as alternative sources of livelihood to illegal mining.
Source: Ghana News Agency
