The nation’s water resources are facing an unprecedented threat, with more than 60% of Ghana’s rivers and water bodies increasingly polluted by illegal mining activities, according to a research report from the Groundwater Division of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Water Research Institute (CSIR-WRI). Dr. Franklin Obiri-Nyarko, a lead scientist at the Groundwater Division, highlighted this alarming situation, emphasizing the potential for severe environmental, health, and livelihood consequences for the country.
Dr. Obiri-Nyarko explained that the sheer volume of contaminants entering these waterways poses a significant risk, even if illegal mining were immediately halted. ‘If you look at the state of our water resource now, it’s clear that we are not doing enough to protect this valuable resource and going forward, there is the need for urgent steps to be taken to sustainably restore the polluted rivers to save lives,’ he stressed. The problem isn’t just about the pollution; it’s about the difficulty of recovery, even if illegal mining were stopped at once.
He detailed the need for a comprehensive, integrated approach to water restoration. This includes addressing the root causes of contamination – the sources of these pollutants – removing existing contaminants, and treating the rivers and other water sources. ‘This will require dedicated investment into the restoration of water bodies through sustainable funding. If not, we will not go anywhere,’ he added, stressing the urgency of the situation.
Dr. Kwadwo Ansong Asante, the acting Director of CSIR-WRI, underscored the shift from siloed approaches to a collaborative, integrated strategy. He stated that the interconnectedness of sectors, particularly the impact of illegal mining on the environment, water, and health, demands a coordinated effort. ‘We need to work together to fight this common enemy,’ he emphasized. The current situation is a clear example of this – the debilitating impact of illegal mining, known as galamsey, is affecting communities across the northern sector, where polluted rivers cause significant socio-economic challenges.
For example, communities depend on polluted water for farming, which has long-lasting effects on their lives and livelihoods. Dr. Prosper Bazaanah, a researcher at the CSIR-WRI, found evidence that polluted rivers have caused serious health issues among miners, including skin rashes, diarrhoea, coughs, and other health complications. Children have also abandoned school for mining, and uncovered pits pose dangers to people and animals.
Furthermore, the study of the Volta River system revealed that the effects of galamsey are a concern, particularly if proactive steps are not taken to protect the river.
‘That is why I see the proposal for the government to strengthen transboundary water management to help tackle illegal mining and secure water bodies, especially those in the northern areas of the country,’ Dr. Bazaanah said. ‘It’s crucial that these institutions work in a coordinated manner to restore the quality of water bodies.’
The report highlights the need for increased government support for CSIR-WRI’s research, particularly in identifying and mitigating the impact of galamsey on the Volta River and other water systems. The government needs to invest in initiatives that promote sustainable water management practices to safeguard the country’s vital resources.
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Source: Graphic Online
