Ghana water bodies face 60% pollution rate due to illegal mining

Approximately 60% of Ghana’s water bodies are currently polluted, according to Dr. Franco Enobrenaco, a scientist at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Water Research Institute (CSIR-WRI). Speaking at the CSIR-WRI Mid-Year Review, Dr. Enobrenaco identified illegal mining, locally known as ‘galamsey’, as a primary driver of the contamination affecting rivers and groundwater.

Dr. Enobrenaco warned that without urgent intervention, Ghana could eventually be forced to import water. He noted that the remaining 40% of relatively unpolluted water sources are under increasing pressure due to population growth. The pollution poses significant risks to public health, agriculture, industry, and energy generation, while also increasing the economic costs of water treatment.

To address the crisis, the scientist proposed a two-pronged strategy: the strict enforcement of mining laws to reduce illegal activities and the provision of alternative livelihoods for those dependent on mining. He emphasized that remediation efforts would be ineffective unless the sources of pollution are addressed and advocated for integrated treatment methods rather than reliance on a single technology.