Change In Colour of Kintampo Waterfalls Not Galamsey

 – Management

The management of the Kintampo Waterfalls has refuted claims that the once beautiful tourist site, located in the Bono East Region, has lost its glory due to illegal mining, locally known as galamsey.

According to the authorities, a video of the waterfalls, circulating on the internet showing a dis-coloured waterfalls, was as a result of heavy rain water from nearby streams, including the Pumpum river, and not due to illegal mining, as some have sought to portray.

“We want to state emphatically that this has no connection whatsoever with illegal mining activities,” the management has said.

The Anchor gathered that no illegal mining activity is happening in and around the waterfalls, as there is adequate security to protect it from the menace.

A statement from the management explained that repeated rainfalls from parts of the region caused an overflow of the waterfalls’ banks, carrying with it a substantial amount of sediment and debris from upstream.

This, according to the statement, resulted in the temporary change in colour of the popular tourist site but allayed fears of visitors, saying it is not unusual.

“The attention of the management of Kintampo Waterfalls (KWF) has been drawn to a video and images currently circulating on social media platforms, and we wish to provide clarity to our valued customers and tourists.

“The Kintampo Waterfalls is a natural wonder, relying on the uninterrupted flow of water from the Pumpum River, other streams and springs, within the community to maintain its unique beauty. Over the past weeks, the region has experienced unusually heavy rainfall, resulting in a significant increase in water inflow to the area. As a result, the river has exceeded its normal banks, causing an overflow. This overflow carries with it a substantial amount of sediment and debris from upstream, leading to a temporary change in colour of water.

“This phenomenon is not uncommon in natural systems and happens annually when heavy rainfall washes soil and sediment into the river, resulting in a brief change in water appearance,” it said.

It added, “Additionally, increased water flow can disturb the natural sediment on the riverbed, which can also affect the water’s appearance.”

Meanwhile, in a separate interview with graphic online, one of the managers of the site, Franklin Owusu, has disclosed that as at yesterday, Wednesday 11 October, the colour of the falls has returned to its natural state, even though it rained throughout the night, indicating “so today, the water is clean.”

He also disclosed that there was a road under construction and the contractor is filling the road with red soil and whenever it rains, it washes it into the waterfalls.

It is believed the video, which was run on the internet with a commentary by an unnamed lady, was taken when some tourists visited the facility. Authorities further assured future tourists and visitors that the waterfalls is still in the best of shape and so encouraged anyone wanting to pay a visit, to do so without having a second thought.

“This was the case when two tourists visited our facility on Thursday October 5, 2023.

“We would like to reassure all prospective visitors and tourists that our facility remains in impeccable condition, and we are unwavering in our commitment to providing you with the exceptional experiences we have consistently promised,” the statement concluded.

Background

Last week, a video emerged on the internet portraying a change in the colour of the Kintampo Waterfalls.

A narration accompanying the video said the change was due to illegal mining activities which government has devoted resources and personnel to curb.

Many had expressed outrage about the development and concluded the claim was true.

Source: Anchorghana.com