A prominent member of the Ghana Coalition Against Illegal Mining and the One Ghana Movement, Mr Senyo Hosi, says Ghana is facing a dire water crisis as a direct result of illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
According to him, the extensive pollution of the country’s rivers has led to a situation where the nation is being forced to import drinking water. Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express a few days ago, Mr Senyo Hosi also expressed a pessimistic view on the government’s efforts, stating, “If this president will not do it, then we are, we are hopeless.”
The devastating impact of galamsey is evident in Ghana’s major rivers, including the Pra, Ankobra, and Offin.
These vital water bodies, once sources of clean water, are now heavily polluted with toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, which are used in the illegal gold extraction process.
The Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has reported that the turbidity levels in these rivers have skyrocketed, making it nearly impossible to treat the water for safe consumption.
This has resulted in the warning of potential plant shutdowns, which would leave communities without access to treated water.
The galamsey menace is more than just an environmental issue; it is a national emergency. Beyond the immediate threat to the water supply, the pollution is linked to a rise in chronic diseases like kidney failure, birth defects, and cancer in mining communities.
While various government initiatives and military operations have been launched to combat the problem, a lack of political will, coupled with allegations of corruption and missing seized equipment, has hampered progress.
The failure to effectively clamp down on illegal mining has led to widespread criticism and concerns that the country’s natural resources are being plundered with little accountability.
By: Collins Adu-Gyamfi
