Illegal mining is wreaking havoc on Ghana’s water bodies, and the alarm bells are deafening. As rivers turn toxic and communities face water shortages, pressure is mounting on the government to act decisively. Environmentalists, lawmakers, and concerned citizens are demanding an immediate state of emergency to combat the devastation before it’s too late. Will the authorities finally step up, or will Ghana’s water crisis spiral out of control?
Amid escalating environmental degradation and water scarcity issues, calls for the declaration of a State of Emergency to intensify efforts against illegal mining activities are rising. Locally known as “galamsey.” The renewed outcry comes as communities report that mining operations are destroying water bodies and contaminating potable water supplies, jeopardizing the well-being of countless families, and businesses alike who depend heavily on the use of water for their works, including pharmaceuticals, hospitals, restaurants, water depots, etc.
Edem Ashigbi, a facebook user has lamented on the muddied water treatment at the B plant treatment of the Ghana Water Company, where river Bonsa is being ‘treated’ for the people of Tarkwa and its environs. Ashigbi, unhappy with the delay in declaring a state of emergency said, “I fail to understand why the President and his administration are aware of this situation yet do not believe that we need a state of emergency.”
Nana Kwame Nyame, on X shared his views, saying, “Don’t forget that most floating voters who encouraged friends and family to vote for the government are extremely outraged and disappointed by the president’s approach to the fight against galamsey. Our expectations were using a radical approach , but it seems they have taken over.”
Joel Donkor also shared “This one deɛ, I back Buhari. Galamsey is getting out of hands. NDC on the opposition lambasted Akufo Addo for not declaring state of emergency on our water bodies so wat is preventing Mahama from declaring the state of emergency since they r in power now”.
Erastus Asare Donkor an environmental journalist at Joy News, has also revealed a shocking concern over how arrested illegal Chinese miners are granted swift bail in certain mining communities. This act however makes the work of fighting galamsey a tough one. He further went on to share a post on his Facebook page, sharing an incident where some arrested illegal miners, were granted bail by a court.
In response to this, people on social media are sharing different thoughts on the matter, Kye Mensah on X called for a name and shame tactics of prominent people involved in destructions of the country’s water bodies and reserves. Others also are blaming the courts and former government.
Recent government initiatives, including the launch of the Blue Water Guard program by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, aim to curb these destructive practices. The program is designed to deploy trained personnel into illegal mining areas to monitor and disrupt unauthorized activities, thereby safeguarding vital water resources. However, some illegal miners have vehemently opposed the initiative, with a number of “galamseyers” declaring their intention to counter the government’s measures.
Concerns are growing over the irreversible damage caused by unregulated mining. The act is causing the loss of not just water resources, but also the very lifeblood of communities.
Last Updated on April 13, 2025 by samboad
