Activities of illegal miners (galamsey) are on the increase in some parts of the Eastern Region with very grave consequences.

This came to light when the Parliamentary Select Committee on Lands and Forestry led by its chairman, Mr. Albert Abongo, and officials of the Minerals Commission toured some illegal mining sites in the Region, on Tuesday.

The team found out that the illegal mining is taking place along all the rivers and streams that take their source from the Atiwa range notably the Birim, Subrani, Amo, Sushen, Berempong and Asikasu rivers.

The illegal miners had abandoned pits and also used suction dredges on the Birim River bed thereby polluting the River.

Mr. Abongo described the situation as a real disaster, which could not be allowed to continue.

“The need to tackle this menace is long overdue and of utmost importance to the development of the Region and the country as a whole,” he said.

He mentioned negative the impact of the illegal mining activities, as massive land degradation, pollution of water bodies, which are sources for domestic and commercial purposes, and loss of revenue to the State, and others.

Mr. Abongo said some drowned in uncovered pits around Kyebi, diseases such as cholera, bilharzia and malaria are common in the area.