WaterAid demands immediate halt to illegal mining as water supply drops 75% due to pollution

As part of the growing calls to mitigate rampant illegal small-scale mining activities across the country, WaterAid Ghana has called on the government to take immediate action to halt the menace commonly known as “galamsey.”

This follows alarming reports that Ghana Water Limited has been forced to reduce its clean water supply by 75%. This reduction, however, has affected hundreds of thousands of residents along Ghana’s southern coast.

In a press statement issued on September 13, 2024, WaterAid Ghana's Country Director, Ewurabena Yanyi-Akofur, expressed concern over the dire impact of illegal mining on the nation's water resources.

“Ghana’s water supply—the lifeblood of our country—is in crisis because of this practice, which has been allowed to continue unchecked. The recent news of a 75% reduction in clean water supply to Cape Coast, Elmina, and surrounding communities is a wake-up call, underscoring the alarming threat posed by illegal mining,” she expressed.

“This is not just a problem for the country’s most marginalized; it threatens us all. Water contamination means higher costs and tariffs, while mercury and heavy metals are poisoning our food supply. The time for well-intentioned words is over. The government must act now. Future generations are counting on us,” Yanyi-Akofur warned.

Additionally, WaterAid's research in Ghana’s Upper East Region found that despite being aware of the environmental impacts, many individuals continue to engage in galamsey because it is a lucrative source of income.

It also pointed out that over 97% of surveyed miners acknowledged the harm to water sources while 79% had reported health issues, such as chest pains, linked to their mining activities.

In view of these troubling statistics, WaterAid emphasises that immediate and effective intervention is crucial to prevent further environmental damage, protect water sources, and safeguard public health.

The organisation is adding its voice to a host of others who want authorities to address the dual threats of illegal mining and climate change on Ghana.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Water Limited recently reported that pollution levels in the country’s water bodies are now seven times higher than usual due to illegal gold mining activities in the Eastern, Ashanti, Central, and Western Regions.

The River Pra, which is one of Ghana’s largest rivers and a key source of drinking water has been heavily contaminated, severely limiting the supply of clean water.

The water distribution company stressed that in view of the ongoing destruction of water bodies, it can no longer manage the current volume of pollution in rivers like the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim, which serve as primary water sources.

The rampant galamsey menace is not only affecting water bodies and communities but also has the potential to cause a ripple effect that threatens public health and safety if not tackled urgently.

In 2018, illegal mining activities accounted for over 40% of all mining that took place in Ghana.

MA