Accra: The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, engaged in discussions with Mr Adam Mutawakilu, the Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited (GWL), to explore ways of enhancing cooperation between their institutions. The primary focus was on protecting Ghana's water bodies and ensuring sustainable water production.
According to Ghana News Agency, the meeting, which took place in Accra, revolved around the common challenges confronting the water and natural resources sectors. The dialogue highlighted the significant impact of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, on rivers and streams that are vital for domestic and industrial water supply.
Mr Buah emphasized the Government's commitment to safeguarding water resources and restoring the environment through targeted reforms and initiatives. These include the 'Tree for Life' afforestation project and the recently launched 'Blue Water Guards' programme. The 'Tree for Life' initiative, introduced by President John Dramani Mahama in the Ashanti Region, aims to restore degraded landscapes while creating employment opportunities for young individuals.
The Minister explained that the 'Blue Water Guards' consist of young Ghanaians dedicated to protecting the nation's rivers. These individuals act as first responders and intelligence officers, working to identify and dismantle illegal mining operations along riverbanks. Mr Buah remarked on the visible impact of the Blue Water Guards, stating that they are essential defenders of the nation's water resources.
In addition to these initiatives, Mr Buah revealed that the Ministry is implementing extensive reforms in the mining sector to address illegal mining and its environmental consequences. The Government recently completed a national review of small-scale mining licenses, revoking over 300 due to irregularities. The Minister noted plans to revise the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), to ensure transparency and community participation in the licensing process.
Mr Buah highlighted the introduction of technological measures such as tracking devices and geo-fencing systems for excavators to ensure they operate within licensed zones. He underscored the importance of responsible and sustainable gold mining for Ghana's economy, while promoting the concept of 'Responsible Cooperatives' among small-scale miners.
Mr Adam Mutawakilu, MD of Ghana Water Ltd, lauded the Ministry's efforts, acknowledging the positive results in water quality improvement at some treatment plants. He noted that facilities like Kwanyako are back to full capacity due to the Ministry's consistent efforts. However, he also pointed out ongoing challenges such as siltation and salinity at raw water intakes, which impact operations.
Mr Mutawakilu emphasized the need for urgent actions to address siltation at intakes to avoid severe water shortages during the dry season. He expressed GWL's readiness to collaborate with the Ministry in finding sustainable solutions, including desilting major raw water sources, enforcing mining regulations, and educating communities on water protection.
