The inhabitants of Dokokyina who live close to
the Bui Dam have defied the two-week
ultimatum given them to vacate the village due
to their illegal mining and fishing activities
There are no indications the residents
including nationals from Cote d'Ivoire, Mali,
Niger, Burkina Faso and China are moving out
of the area though the Brong-Ahafo Regional
Security Council warned them of forceful
eviction if they failed to move by April 14.
According to the Bui Power Authority (BPA),
the $600 million Dam that produces 400
megawatts of power faced danger because of
the illegal mining activities on at its fringes.
It could be polluted and silted which could
lead to its destruction because the illegal
miners are using heavy duty and earth-moving
machines in their operations.
Inhabitants of six villages in the catchment
area of the Dam were relocated by the BPA in
2011 to pave way for the construction of the
Dam but six households at Dokokyina refused
to relocate.
The population of Dokokyina has increased
from 15 occupants of the six households to an
estimated population of more than 6,000
people.
While some of the residents were preparing for
their normal illegal mining activities, others
were also seen getting ready to go for fishing
in the Dam's prohibited reservoirs.
There were also brisk trading activities as
traders sold alcoholic and non-alcoholic
beverages with few chop bars operators also at
post.
At some of the illegal mining sites, heavy duty
and earth-moving machines were seen parked
confirming that the illegal miners use them in
their operations and big pits, dug by the illegal
miners, were visible in the area.
Though attempts to speak to some of the illegal
miners were not successful, many of them
were seen wielding offensive instruments and
other sophisticated firearms.
According to some of local people in the area,
gold dealers and small scale miners often come
to the community to buy the raw gold from
the miners.
A resident stated that selling of raw gold was
not a problem and dealers bought sand they
suspect to contain gold.
Mr Wumbilla Salifu, the External and
Community Relations Manager of the BPA, said
the presence of the illegal miners was a great
worry to the BPA.
According to him, the water level in the
reserviour had decreased and illegal miners
are prospecting for gold in it but when the
water level rises chemicals they used would be
washed into the reserviour.
Mr Salifu said the illegal miners are gradually
removing the vegetative cover and there was
the possibility that soil would be washed into
the reserviour and eventually silt it.
He appealed to National Security to move in
immediately and evict the illegal miners
including residents of the village before they
succeed to kill the Dam.
Mr Salifu said REGSEC had been in the area
twice but there were no clear signs that the
people were ready to move and added "their
operations have reached dangerous dimension
need prompt intervention of by National
Security."
A senior citizen who wants to remain
anonymous told the GNA "Sometimes it is
strange how things happen in this country.
This is a huge national asset that is facing
danger. We know what to do but we are doing
nothing. We are allowing a few people
irresponsible people to hold the nation to
ransom. God save us."
