Water quality in Ghana has taken a severe hit in recent years, with illegal mining (commonly referred to as galamsey) emerging as a major threat. The activities of small-scale illegal miners have left lasting environmental damage, particularly to the nation’s rivers and water bodies. This crisis is exemplified in the Water Quality Assessment visual, which shows the progressive degradation of various water bodies over the past decade. The concern over water pollution is now more urgent than ever, as galamsey continues to wreak havoc on Ghana’s natural resources.
The Alarming Consequences of Galamsey
Galamsey operations often involve the use of harmful chemicals, such as mercury and cyanide, to extract gold. These substances leach into rivers and groundwater, rendering the water unsafe for consumption. Rivers like the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim have been particularly affected, with the water turning brown and highly toxic. In some regions, as much as 60% of the catchment capacity is silted, making water treatment extremely difficult.
The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has reported a significant increase in the cost of water treatment due to high turbidity levels caused by mining activities. In some instances, the turbidity reaches 14,000 NTU, far exceeding the designed threshold of 2000 NTU for adequate treatment This has forced water treatment plants to discard as much as 50% of treated water because it does not meet national safety standards.
Impact on Communities and Ecosystems
For communities that rely on rivers for their water supply, the impact is dire. Many are exposed to mercury and other heavy metals, which pose long-term health risks, including neurological damage and kidney disease. Moreover, the pollution from galamsey threatens food security, as contaminated water is used in agriculture and fish farming. The presence of mercury in fish and other aquatic life is a growing concern, putting both human health and livelihoods at risk.
Beyond the immediate health threats, the degradation of water bodies also has far-reaching consequences for biodiversity. Many ecosystems that depend on these rivers are being destroyed, and the loss of vegetation along riverbanks accelerates soil erosion, further exacerbating the pollution problem.
Urgent Need for Action
The growing severity of the water quality crisis has led to widespread calls for decisive action. Experts and environmental advocates are urging the government to treat water pollution from galamsey as a national security issue. There are also increasing demands for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations and the designation of water bodies as protected security zones
Despite several government initiatives, including military interventions, the fight against galamsey continues to face obstacles, such as corruption, poverty, and the involvement of powerful individuals backing illegal miners
To combat the crisis effectively, a multifaceted approach is required. This includes not only law enforcement but also providing alternative livelihoods to communities that depend on galamsey for survival and launching widespread public education campaigns to promote environmental stewardship.
Conclusion
The deterioration of Ghana’s water bodies due to illegal mining is a crisis that cannot be ignored. As the Water Quality Assessment visual starkly illustrates, the situation has worsened over the past decade, with several rivers moving into the "Grossly Polluted" classification. Urgent, coordinated action is necessary to prevent further environmental and health catastrophes. Without immediate intervention, the consequences of galamsey will continue to endanger the very survival of communities that depend on Ghana’s rivers for water, food, and livelihood.
Data: Ghana Water Resources Commission | Annual Report 2021
Bernard Obeng Boateng
Lead Trainer
Finex Skills Hub
Contact: +233244782356
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