WaterAid Ghana condemns illegal miners for severely contaminating water sources, jeopardizing clean drinking water access. Ibrahim Musah calls for government action against those responsible, as the Upper East Region experiences a significant decline in water quality and rising conflicts over water access. Experts recommend urgent environmental conservation measures and policies to mitigate the impacts of illegal mining and climate change.
WaterAid Ghana’s Ibrahim Musah has condemned illegal miners, referred to as galamseyers, as “mass murderers,” emphasizing their disregard for the detrimental effects of their activities on the country’s water bodies. The illegal mining has severely contaminated water sources, complicating Ghana Water Limited’s ability to supply clean drinking water. Musah urged the state to prosecute those involved, highlighting critical struggles at treatment plants nationwide.
Musah asserted that illegal mining has led to a worrying deterioration of water quality across Ghana, particularly affecting major treatment plants in Koforidua, Cape Coast, and Takoradi. He has called for prompt action from the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, along with the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, to curb this environmental crisis.
Recent findings by WaterAid Ghana depict a significant decline in water services in the Upper East Region, particularly in areas such as Nabdam, Bongo, Bawku West, and Kassena-Nankana Municipalities. This report reveals an annual 8% reduction in rainfall, exacerbated by climate change, forcing communities to turn to unsafe water sources.
The situation has intensified conflicts over water access, impacting women and girls the most. For instance, in the Bongo District, women now spend significantly more time collecting water, which hampers their ability to engage in other essential activities. In the Nabdam District, 55% of households lack access to safe drinking water during the dry season. This water scarcity adversely affects crop yields and food security, with livestock also suffering due to heat stress and inadequate water.
Jesse Kazapoe from the Water Resources Commission has advocated for aggressive afforestation to combat climate change impacts in the Upper East Region. The region’s erratic rainfall patterns have increased flooding and influenced sedimentation in water bodies, worsening the water crisis. He supports large-scale afforestation to improve groundwater recharge and soil moisture retention.
The study further revealed that both state and private institutions lack adequate resources and expertise to implement climate adaptation measures effectively. Recommendations include rainwater harvesting projects and enhancing local infrastructure. Haruna Tia Alhassan from Nabdam District confirmed the commitment to integrate the study’s findings into development plans to improve local living standards.
Experts stress the urgent need for unified actions from the government and local entities to prioritize environmental conservation and implement sustainable policies. Failure to address these issues may exacerbate Ghana’s water crisis, potentially leading to severe public health consequences and undermining agricultural productivity.
The findings of WaterAid Ghana highlight a critical environmental crisis exacerbated by illegal mining activities, defeating efforts to maintain clean water access across the nation. The urgent call to action from both environmental experts and officials emphasizes the need for prosecution of illegal miners and decisive measures to combat climate change. Without immediate collective efforts to restore water security and sustainable practices, Ghana faces a worsening public health and agriculture crisis.
Original Source: www.asaaseradio.com
