WaterAid Ghana’s Ibrahim Musah declared galamseyers as “mass murderers,” emphasizing their pollution of water sources. Research reveals a sharp decline in water quality across the Upper East Region, pushing communities towards unsafe water. Calls for immediate regulatory actions and afforestation initiatives highlight the urgency of addressing the water crisis exacerbated by illegal mining and climate change, with significant implications for public health and agriculture.
In light of a worsening water crisis, Ibrahim Musah, the head of strategy, policy and campaigns for WaterAid Ghana, has labeled illegal miners, known as galamseyers, as “mass murderers” due to their detrimental impact on the country’s water bodies. Musah emphasized the urgency for the state to prosecute these miners, highlighting the struggles of Ghana Water Limited to deliver safe drinking water as illegal mining continues to contaminate essential water sources.
Musah pointed to a significant decline in water quality in regions including Koforidua, Cape Coast, and Takoradi, which are heavily affected by illegal mining operations. He appealed to the Ministers of Environment, Science and Technology, and Lands and Natural Resources, urging them to take decisive action to combat this environmental crisis.
Recent research by WaterAid Ghana revealed a significant decline in access to safe water in the Upper East Region, particularly in districts such as Nabdam, Bongo, Bawku West, and Kassena-Nankana. The findings indicated that communities are increasingly relying on unsafe water sources, exacerbated by a reduction in annual rainfall by about 8%, leading to intense conflicts over water access, particularly for women and girls tasked with water collection.
For instance, women in the Bongo District have reported increased time spent collecting water, from three to ten minutes per trip to a borehole, significantly affecting their participation in other activities and households. The water scarcity also impacts agricultural productivity, contributing to food security challenges and rising livestock mortality rates.
In response to these alarming findings, Jesse Kazapoe from the Water Resources Commission has called for a robust afforestation initiative to address the dual challenges of climate change and environmental degradation that exacerbate the water situation. He highlighted the need for comprehensive policies to support environmental sustainability, including tree planting efforts to combat soil erosion and water retention issues.
The study further noted that both state and private entities currently lack adequate resources and expertise to implement effective climate adaptation measures. Recommendations included rainwater harvesting systems, groundwater recharge projects, and urgent infrastructure improvements.
Haruna Tia Alhassan, a development planning officer, has committed to integrating these findings into the district’s development strategy. Kazapoe reinforced the necessity for community and governmental action towards environmental conservation, urging a united front to prevent further degradation and effectively tackle the ongoing water crisis in Ghana.
The escalating water crisis in Ghana, driven by illegal mining activities and climate change, demands immediate and comprehensive intervention. Authorities must prioritize prosecution of illegal miners, improve water access, and implement environmental conservation measures to safeguard water quality. Without decisive action, the situation threatens public health, agricultural productivity, and overall national development, underscoring the critical need for collaboration and proactive strategies.
Original Source: www.asaaseradio.com
