Ghana faces water security threats from illegal gold mining

Ghana is facing increasing water insecurity as illegal gold mining, known as ‘galamsey’, contributes significantly to the pollution of the nation's water bodies. A visual analysis by researcher Fatah Maltaba Abass highlights the tension between the country's gold-driven wealth and the degradation of essential natural resources.

Scientists at the CSIR-Water Research Institute reported in August 2026 that approximately 60% of Ghana’s water bodies are polluted. While agriculture, industrial activity, and household waste also contribute, illegal mining is a major factor in several mining-affected basins. Researchers warned that some of these water bodies may be difficult to restore even if pollution is halted immediately.

In addition to pollution, Ghana is approaching water stress due to population growth and declining renewable water availability. Per capita renewable water availability has dropped from roughly 3,000 cubic metres in the 1960s to 1,650 cubic metres today, falling below the 1,700 cubic metre threshold used to indicate water stress.