Bolgatanga: WaterAid Ghana, an organization focused on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), has called on the Ghanaian government to accelerate efforts in combating illegal mining, commonly known as 'galamsey', to protect the nation's water resources. Mr. Ibrahim Musah, Head of Strategy, Policy and Campaigns at WaterAid Ghana, highlighted the severe threat illegal mining poses to water bodies, the environment, and human life.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Musah stated that individuals involved in illegal mining are endangering lives and should face prosecution. He voiced these concerns during an interview on the sidelines of a study dissemination event on 'Climate Vulnerability and Resilience Assessments' in Bolgatanga. Musah lamented the impact of illegal mining on Ghana's water bodies, which forces the government to spend substantial funds on water treatment, increasing costs for citizens.
Musah noted that several water treatment plants in regions such as Central, Western, Eastern, and Ashanti are affected by illegal mining activities. He emphasized that WaterAid Ghana, along with similar organizations, supports responsible and regulated mining but condemns illegal operations that jeopardize water security.
The organization warned that the loss of water bodies to illegal mining would be catastrophic, particularly for marginalized communities that cannot afford expensive water. Musah acknowledged the plans of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology to address the illegal mining issue, urging for swift implementation and support from national security.
The study, which included assessments in the Kassena-Nankana Municipal, Bongo, Bawku West, Kassena-Nankana West, and Nabdam Districts in the Upper East Region, revealed that climate change is reducing water resources due to rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns. This has led to water scarcity, forcing communities to rely on unsafe sources and causing conflicts over limited resources.
Additionally, the study found that climate change has resulted in lower crop yields, diminished water supplies for livestock, and damage to essential water and sanitation infrastructure, leading to waterborne diseases. This research is part of the Securing Water Access Project (SWAP) by WaterAid Ghana, funded by the AB InBev Foundation, aimed at enhancing climate-resilient WASH systems and improving water access for underserved communities.
Mr. Mark Akubire, Upper East Regional President of the Federation of Persons with Disability, highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on women, children, and persons with disabilities. He advocated for the integration of climate strategies into national and local policies to improve adaptation and mitigation efforts.
