# Ghana illegal mining and water pollution crisis

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ghana-illegal-mining-and-water-pollution-crisis
> Updated: 2026-08-26T22:51:56.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 3.

Illegal mining, known locally as ‘galamsey’, continues to drive environmental and social instability in Ghana. Scientific assessments from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Water Research Institute (CSIR-WRI) indicate that approximately 60% of the nation’s water bodies are polluted, threatening public health, agriculture, industry, and energy generation. Dr. Franco Enobrenaco warned that without urgent intervention, Ghana may eventually face the necessity of importing water.

The crisis has manifested in physical conflict and local unrest. In the Atiwa Forest Reserve, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Special Task Force has engaged in violent clashes with suspected miners, resulting in serious injuries and the destruction of mining equipment, including 11 water-pumping machines and 15 makeshift structures. In the Tano North Municipality, traditional leaders have petitioned President John Dramani Mahama regarding the heavy discoloration of the River Tano and forest destruction, expressing frustration over weak enforcement and the alleged release of suspects by municipal police.

In response to the escalating crisis, religious and political leaders are calling for coordinated action. The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, urged the government to use its political authority to ‘crush’ the practice. Environment Minister-designate Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings has advocated for a unified strategy involving inter-agency coordination. Meanwhile, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has proposed formalizing the small-scale mining sector by providing legitimate operators with affordable finance, modern equipment, and geological information to promote environmentally responsible practices.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: Ghana leaders call for urgent action against illegal mining

Ghanaian officials and the Presbyterian Church are calling for decisive government action and inter-agency coordination to end illegal mining (galamsey) and protect the nation's water and environment.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ghanaian-presbyterian-moderator-warns-of-rising-school-violence

### 2026-08-16: Illegal mining in Ghana causes violence and water pollution

Illegal mining in Ghana's Atiwa Forest Reserve and along the River Tano has caused violent clashes and severe water pollution, prompting calls for urgent presidential intervention.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/illegal-mining-in-ghana-causes-violence-and-water-pollution

### 2026-08-11: Ghana water bodies face 60% pollution rate due to illegal mining

A CSIR-WRI scientist warns that illegal mining has polluted 60% of Ghana’s water bodies, threatening national water security and public health unless urgent remediation and law enforcement occur.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ghana-water-bodies-face-60-pollution-rate-due-to-illegal-mining

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Cite as: Ghana illegal mining and water pollution crisis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ghana-illegal-mining-and-water-pollution-crisis