WaterAid Calls for Urgent Action Against Illegal Mining Amid Water Crisis

WaterAid Ghana’s Ibrahim Musah condemned illegal miners as “mass murderers” for polluting water sources and complicating clean water access. A study revealed significant water service declines in the Upper East Region, with reliance on unsafe sources increasing. Environmental experts call for aggressive afforestation and better resource allocation to mitigate the escalating water crisis in Ghana, requiring immediate government action.

WaterAid Ghana’s head of strategy, policy, and campaigns, Ibrahim Musah, condemned illegal miners, labeling them as “mass murderers” for their detrimental impact on the nation’s water sources. He emphasized that illegal mining activities have severely polluted water bodies, complicating the ability of Ghana Water Limited to supply clean drinking water to the populace. Musah asserted that the state must take swift legal action against these offenders to address the crisis effectively.

Musah highlighted the deteriorating quality of water throughout Ghana, particularly emphasizing the negative repercussions on major treatment plants in Koforidua, Cape Coast, and Takoradi. He urged the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, as well as the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, to implement strong measures to combat illegal mining, which significantly contributes to the ongoing water crisis.

A recent WaterAid Ghana study identified a sharp decline in water service quality within the Upper East Region, notably affecting areas such as Nabdam and Bongo. The research indicated that these districts are experiencing a yearly average loss of 8% of rainfall, leading to heightened reliance on unsafe water sources and intensified disputes over water access, particularly impacting women and girls tasked with water collection.

The findings revealed alarming statistics: in Bongo District, women now take up to ten minutes to collect water, a significant increase from previously three minutes. Meanwhile, nearly 55% of households in Nabdam are devoid of access to safe drinking water during the dry season. Concurrently, water scarcity adversely affects agricultural productivity, leading to diminished crop yields and livestock challenges.

Jesse Kazapoe, head of the White Volta Basin at the Water Resources Commission, advocated for aggressive afforestation as a means to counteract climate change impacts. He noted unpredictable rainfall patterns contributing to flooding and erosion, worsening the water crisis. Kazapoe stressed that restoring environmental health through tree planting could mitigate these challenges, thereby improving water retention and agricultural sustainability.

The study also underscores a lack of resources among state and private entities to effectively address climate adaptation. Recommendations include implementing rainwater harvesting, upgrading aging water infrastructure, and enhancing local government capabilities for climate-integrated planning. Haruna Tia Alhassan from Nabdam District assured that the findings will inform the community’s medium-term development goals.

Given the urgent situation of illegal mining and climate change threats, experts assert that immediate and decisive action is essential to avert further deterioration of Ghana’s water crisis, which has potential consequences for public health and food security.

In summary, the alarming statements by Ibrahim Musah regarding illegal mining’s impact highlight the urgent need for government intervention to protect Ghana’s water resources. The research indicates a significant decline in water quality, particularly in the Upper East Region, exacerbated by climate change and increasing water scarcity. Experts advocate for aggressive environmental restoration measures and improved resource allocation to address these pressing challenges and safeguard the country’s water future.

Original Source: www.asaaseradio.com