Weto Platform reports damage from roadworks in Ghana — MyJoyOnline
The coalition of environmental non-governmental organizations Weto Platform has reported environmental risks related to gravel extraction for road construction along the Akwapim—Togo mountain range in Ghana. According to the platform, work near Anirawaesa in the Ho West District of the Volta Region and Santeokodi in the SALL District of the Oti Region is being carried out as part of the government's Big Push initiative.
As MyJoyOnline reports, Weto Platform coordinator Pascal Benson Atigla said that two large excavation pits had been created in the area to obtain gravel without consultations with communities, environmental impact assessments, or plans to restore the sites. According to him, the work is destabilizing slopes above Cito and Aninawase, where communities and the University of Ghana's Cito training center are located.
Risks of landslides and flooding
Atigla claims that residents of the affected areas are already facing flooding, landslides, and increased water turbidity in the Tsavoe stream. In his view, this threatens aquatic ecosystems, fishing, and agricultural activities. The platform representative also warned that heavy rains or underground tremors could increase the danger to local communities.
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Separately, Atigla reported negative consequences from work by a private developer on the Asukaukau River. According to him, the construction of a dam and dredging work increased water turbidity and could create risks for the Asukaukau Bridge, which connects the southern districts of the Oti Region with Dambai. He also claims that an oil palm plantation was destroyed because of the project, worsening the situation of local residents.
Calls for an investigation
Weto Platform also reported tensions surrounding the Asukaukau Nature Reserve. Atigla said that local leaders and the Forestry Commission allegedly allowed livestock grazing in the reserve while restricting access for community members. According to him, because of distrust, youth volunteers refused to participate in protecting the area from bushfires.
The platform demands an immediate investigation into the environmental threats, punishment for those found guilty, compensation for affected communities, consultations with residents, and restoration of degraded areas. Weto Platform member Tordey Gershon Amaglo urged construction companies to consider alternatives to extracting rock in the mountains that would not harm the environment.
