Galamsey: MIIF, UMaT team up to clean waterways

In a groundbreaking move to combat the devastating effects of illegal mining popularly known locally as ‘galamsey’, on the nation’s vital water resources, the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) and University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) are set to officially launch ‘Operation Clean the Water Bodies’.

This innovative partnership leverages advanced technology to directly address the environmental damage caused by unauthorised mining activities, with early pilot results showing remarkable improvements in key river systems.

The pilot phase of this ambitious initiative has already demonstrated significant success in two heavily impacted waterways: the River Pra and River Bromo.

These initial outcomes mark the beginning of a national campaign aimed at reclaiming and restoring Ghana’s contaminated water bodies. In the Beposo section of the River Pra, turbidity levels plummeted from 3,000 Nephelometric Turbidity units (NTU) to a mere 0.5 NTU, while Total Suspended Solids (TSS) decreased from 450 milligrams per litre (mg/L) to 25 mg/L. Perhaps most notably, lead contamination dropped from 0.51 mg/L to 0.01 mg/L – well below World Health Organisation standards.

Similarly impressive results were observed in the Nkroful section of the River Bromo. Turbidity decreased from 2,390 NTU to 13 NTU and total suspended solids were reduced from 13,400 parts per million (ppm) to less than 0.1 ppm.

The water’s apparent colour also saw a dramatic improvement, changing from 79,738 ppm to 253 ppm. These outcomes not only highlight the initiative’s effectiveness but also provide a promising framework for expanding ‘Operation Clean the Water Bodies’ across the nation, ensuring cleaner water for communities and ecosystems affected by galamsey.

Professor Richard K. Amankwah, Vice Chancellor-UMaT and Deputy Chairman of the project steering team, expressed his enthusiasm about the results, stating:”The use of eco-friendly solutions has delivered exceptional outcomes.

This collaboration with MIIF marks a key engineering milestone in our mission to restore Ghana’s rivers and ensure their sustainability for future generations”.

Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng, CEO-MIIF, emphasised the project’s significance for the nation’s well-being and economic prospects. “Clean water is vital to Ghana’s health and prosperity,” he remarked.

“MIIF is proud to be part of this initiative, which aligns with the Fund’s commitment to environmental responsibility and long-term sustainable growth. The long-term success of this operation however hinges on a complete stop of illegal mining in our waterbodies,” he added.

Professor Douglas Boateng, Chairman-MIIF and interim Chairman of ‘Operation Clean the Water Bodies’, highlighted the urgent need for collective action in addressing this environmental crisis.

“We created this problem, and only through collective effort can we fix it. The damage is vast, but with focused engineering initiatives, we can restore our rivers and prevent further harm.

"This initiative is not only about cleaning our water bodies but also about empowering communities to take ownership of their environmental stewardship. Together, we can build a future where our natural resources are preserved and cherished,” Prof. Boateng explained.

The professor concluded by stressing the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders: “Success in this endeavour will require cooperation among all stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and civil society. We must unite to reclaim our rivers and secure a healthier environment for generations to come.”

This partnership between MIIF and UMaT, West Africa’s leading mining university, marks a critical turning point in Ghana’s battle against galamsey pollution. It offers a long-term, sustainable solution to one of the country’s most pressing environmental challenges.

However, the ongoing success of ‘Operation Clean the Water Bodies’ ultimately depends on completely halting illegal mining activities in and around Ghana’s water bodies, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and enforcement alongside these restoration efforts, he added.