July 18, 2025 – As the fight against illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, intensifies across the country, the Assembly Member for the Kikam Electoral Area in the Ellembelle District, Hon. Paul Kodwo Kwaw, has taken legal action against two farmers for leasing their farmlands for illegal mining activities, which have polluted the River Ajomosu.
Hon. Kwaw expressed concern that the River Ajomosu is the only source of water for farming, drinking, and household use in the community.
Speaking to Nzema Today TV at Kikam, Hon. Paul Kodwo Kwaw stressed that it is time for community leaders to rise and protect the people they serve from the wanton abuse of natural resources and illegal activities perpetrated by a few selfish individuals.
According to him, he has filed a writ in court to stop the two farmers from leasing their lands to illegal miners.
He further disclosed to Nzema Today TV News that a delegation of elders approached him to plead on behalf of the defendants, urging him to temper justice with mercy by withdrawing the case from court for an amicable resolution and to ensure that the illegality is stopped immediately.
However, Hon. Kwaw explained that the power to refer the case to the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism rests with the Magistrate, not him.
The Assembly Member also noted that since he took legal action against the two farmers, the quality of the River Ajomosu has begun to improve.
Hon. Paul Kodwo Kwaw vowed to deal decisively with any future attempts to engage in galamsey activities within his electoral area. He further urged all Assembly Members to rise and support the anti-galamsey task force to fight the menace head-on and help restore the country’s river bodies.
By Kodwo Nyamekeh
