Densu river is polluted with mercury - Edem Srem

A journalist and documentary film maker, Edem Srem, has raised serious concerns about mercury pollution in the Densu River, a vital source of water for several communities in the country.

A post shared on his X page on Thursday, October 17, 2024 stated, "Ghana Water draws water from the Densu River at Densuso for surrounding communities and the Densu River flows to the Weija Dam, which supplies water to about half the residents of Accra. You are not far away, mind you, the Densu here is polluted with mercury."

The Densu River, spanning 116 kilometres is one of 16 water bodies in the country severely affected by illegal mining activities popularly referred to as galamsey.

It supplies half of Accra's drinking water and flows into significant wetlands along the Atlantic Ocean.

Reports indicate that the river that flows through Potrase, Nankese, Abisim, Apedwa, Nsawam, and Adeiso before emptying into the Weija Dam in Accra has been severely polluted, posing a significant threat to both human and aquatic ecosystems

.

Public discussions on illegal mining resurfaced in the country when Ghana Water Limited (GWL) announced that the activities of illegal miners have disrupted water supply in the Central Region.

Read the post below:

Ghana Water draws water from the Densu River at Densuso for surrounding communities and the Densu River flows to the Weija Dam which supplies water to about half the residents of Accra. You are not far away, mind you the Densu here is polluted with mercury. Image taken 14/10/2024 pic.twitter.com/3F3rFjypCd

— Edem Srem (@Afrikanticha3) October 17, 2024