Water Woes Pollution Reaches Critical Levels, Puts Entire Country At Risk – Minerals Commission Warns
The Western Regional Head of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Francis Annobil Jnr., has sounded a strong alarm over the worsening state of water pollution caused by illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey. Speaking during the launch of the Blue River Guard initiative at Nsu Ekyir in the Jomoro Municipality, Mr. Annobil described the situation as a national threat with potentially disastrous consequences for all Ghanaians.
He warned that the pollution of groundwater — the underground flow of water through soil and rock layers — is reaching alarming levels.
Groundwater, which supports rivers and serves as a major source of household water supply, is being contaminated by chemicals used in illegal mining.
He explained that any household located within 200 meters of polluted river bodies is at risk of consuming the same harmful substances.
“Illegal mining is not just a local problem; it’s a national emergency,” he said. “If we remain passive and treat it as someone else’s concern, the consequences will affect us all.”
Mr. Annobil further explained that the newly deployed Blue River Guards will not engage illegal miners directly. Instead, their role is to monitor, gather intelligence, and report any harmful activities near river bodies to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
In a related development, Hon. Benedict Boadi, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Jomoro, praised former President John Dramani Mahama’s “Reset Agenda,” calling it a timely solution to the galamsey menace.
“President Mahama is the Messiah we need to reset this country and clean our rivers,” he said, pledging his full support to the former President’s vision of restoring the integrity of Ghana’s natural resources.
Adding a traditional voice to the conversation, Nana Kofi Mensah, the Mbrantie Hene of the area, called for stronger measures.
He suggested that the government temporarily halt the issuance of mining licenses and declare a state of emergency to stabilize the situation before ejecting illegal operators from affected areas.
Nana Kofi Mensah.
Story by Nana Fynn@W/R.
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