Tension is rising due to economic difficulties and the issue of illegal mining, known as galamsey, which is destroying lands and major water bodies. The dire state of water bodies in Ghana is a longstanding problem.
In 2017, the Water Resources Commission reported that over 60% of the nation’s water bodies had been contaminated, particularly in the southwestern regions where illegal mining activities are rampant.
The Ghana Water Company Limited has also warned that this contamination has led to significant water shortages in several areas, worsening the crisis.
As the situation deteriorates, there are growing concerns that Ghana may be forced to import water by 2030 if decisive action is not taken. The continued destruction of water bodies is seen by many as a failed effort by the current government, jeopardizing the nation’s future water security.
BELOW IS A LIST OF SOME RIVERS POLLUTED BY GALAMSEY ACTIVITIES IN GHANA
ASHANTI REGION
- Enu River
- Oda River
- River Offin
- River Prah
- Afram River
- River Owabi
- River Fum
- Subin River
- Agogo River
- Gyimi River
WESTERN REGION
- River Pra
- Daboase River
- River Ankobra.
EASTERN REGION
- Birim River
- Asuboni River
GREATER ACCRA
- Densu River
UPPER WEST
- The Black Volta
BONO EAST
- Tano River
