More Than 350 Residents, Including Children, Rendered Homeless After Rainstorm Hits Sefwi Nkwadum

More Than 350 Residents, Including Children, Rendered Homeless After Rainstorm Hits Sefwi Nkwadum

Over 350 residents, including women and children, have been rendered homeless after a violent rainstorm swept through Sefwi Nkwadum in the Akontombra Constituency of the Western North Region.

The storm caused extensive destruction to homes and property, leaving many families displaced and struggling to find shelter, food, and other basic necessities.

Speaking on the devastation, Nana Kofi Benchie I, the Mmerantɛɛ Hene of Sefwi Nkwadum, used the opportunity to strongly condemn the menace of galamsey (illegal mining), describing it as a major contributor to environmental degradation and worsening the impact of natural disasters. He called on government authorities to take urgent action to curb the activity and protect vulnerable communities.

Environmental concerns surrounding galamsey remain critical. The Minerals Commission has disclosed that efforts are ongoing to reclaim lands destroyed by illegal mining activities, with 175 acres of restored land already handed over to communities in the Western North Region. Despite these efforts, environmentalists warn that continued illegal mining could lead to irreversible damage to water bodies and farmlands.

There have been renewed calls for the government to declare a state of emergency to deal decisively with galamsey, with some stakeholders advocating tougher sanctions, particularly against foreign nationals involved in the illegal operations.

Meanwhile, residents of Sefwi Nkwadum continue to struggle in the aftermath of the rainstorm. Victims are appealing to the general public, corporate bodies, and humanitarian organizations for assistance in the form of temporary shelter, food items, clothing, and building materials to help rebuild their lives.

Adding his voice, Hon. Appiah Joseph has expressed sympathy to the affected families, offering his condolences and assuring them of his support during this difficult period. He emphasized the need for coordinated disaster response and preparedness, noting that similar rainstorm incidents have been recorded in other parts of the country.

The disaster in Sefwi Nkwadum once again highlights Ghana’s growing vulnerability to extreme weather events and the urgent need for effective environmental protection, disaster preparedness, and rapid response systems.

Source:Bibianinews.com