A number of mining firms in the Western Region are becoming increasingly concerned about the spread of illicit mining operations, known locally as galamsey. One of the impacted enterprises, AngloGold Ashanti, claims that the galamsay has contaminated streams and other water sources that they have painstakingly laboured to manage. The business disclosed that these illicit activities had resulted in property theft, costing them more money to replace the stolen equipment. 

Abraham Osei Badu, acting managing director of AngloGold Ashanti, emphasised that the production of the company is seriously threatened by the illicit mining operations' close proximity to their concession. He issued a warning that their activities could be seriously impacted if the scenario continued.

The business also voiced concern about the tainted water sources' possible health implications for the nearby residents. "Galamsey was comparatively insignificant a few years ago, but its effects and reach have grown, even threatening pure streams throughout our concession. Even if we keep trying our hardest to keep them clean, sadly, pollution from farther away sources finds its way into our concession.

Given our strong relationships to the areas in which we operate, these actions directly jeopardise our company. There could be major health consequences if crops are affected by the water used for home and agricultural uses. As a mining corporation, we vehemently reject these unlawful operations and cannot allow them," he stated to Citi News.