Illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, are raising growing safety and environmental concerns in parts of Upper Denkyira East in the Central Region following the discovery of an active mining site located near a basic school at Pokukrom.

The mining site, reportedly situated directly behind the M/A Basic School in the community, has sparked fears among residents over the safety of pupils and nearby residents due to exposed pits and abandoned dugouts left uncovered.

According to reports, the site was allegedly operated by a miner identified only as Victor, who is said to have abandoned the area after carrying out mining activities.

Community members claim the uncovered pits pose a serious danger, particularly to schoolchildren who use the area daily.

Investigations by journalist Samuel Addo further suggest that illegal mining activities in the area may involve a wider network of individuals allegedly facilitating operations in the constituency.

Some residents have accused the Upper Denkyira East Constituency Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Mr. Swanzy Arhin, of allegedly coordinating illegal mining activities near rivers, roads and residential communities in violation of Ghana’s mining laws.

Meanwhile, Mr Swanzy Arhin speaking in an interview on the Tuesday on the Ghana Yensom morning show hosted by Odehyeeba Kofi Essuman denied  these allegations.

Residents also alleged that the Chief of Pokukrom has been collecting payments from illegal miners to allow them to operate within the community.

These claims could also not be independently confirmed at the time of filing the report.

The situation has intensified concerns over environmental degradation, destruction of roads and possible contamination of water bodies in the area.

Community members are now calling on the Environmental Protection Agency, the Ghana Police Service and the Central Regional Security Council to intervene urgently to stop the illegal mining operations and ensure the abandoned pits near the school are secured.

Illegal mining continues to pose major environmental and safety challenges across several mining communities in Ghana, despite repeated government warnings against mining activities near water bodies, roads and residential areas.