July 19, 2025 – The people of Kikam, a fishing and farming community in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region, are beginning to breathe a sigh of relief as their only source of drinking water, the River Ajomosu, shows signs of recovery from galamsey pollution.
This follows a court action initiated by the Assembly Member for the Kikam Electoral Area, Hon. Paul Kodwo Kwaw.
It will be recalled that two farmers in Kikam recently leased out their farmlands to some youth in the area for galamsey (illegal mining) activities. These activities severely polluted and muddied the River Ajomosu, which serves as the community’s sole source of drinking water and supports other livelihood activities.
Determined to protect the river, Hon. Paul Kodwo Kwaw courageously confronted the farmers, urging them to stop the galamsey operations. Unsatisfied with their initial response, he proceeded to file a writ of summons at the law court against the two farmers.
In what can be described as a positive outcome, the farmers later appealed to the Assembly Member for an out-of-court settlement and promised to take steps to stop the galamsey activities.
According to Hon. Paul Kodwo Kwaw, although the power to approve an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism lies solely with the Magistrate, the River Ajomosu has already shown encouraging signs of recovery. He revealed that the farmers have since instructed the galamsey operators to cease all activities.
“The state of the River Ajomosu is now relatively clean, and we are hopeful it will fully recover in the coming days, bringing great relief to the entire Kikam township,” he added.
By Kodwo Nyamekeh
