Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), has revealed the staggering financial burden of reversing the ecological damage caused by illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey.” She estimates the cost of restoring a single water body polluted by these illicit activities to be at least $300 million. This revelation underscores the immense economic and environmental challenges posed by galamsey, which has ravaged Ghana’s water resources and ecosystems. Prof. Klutse shared this information during a meeting with representatives from Knutsford University and the Climate Communications Network, a gathering convened to celebrate her appointment and explore potential collaborations, particularly in climate change education.
The EPA, under Prof. Klutse’s leadership, is actively evaluating proposals from ten companies vying for the complex task of rehabilitating polluted water bodies. The selection process involves a rigorous assessment of each company’s proposed technology, application methods, potential environmental impact, and overall cost. This meticulous approach aims to ensure the most effective and sustainable restoration strategy is implemented. The EPA is prioritizing due diligence to guarantee the selected company can deliver on its promises and restore the water bodies to their original state. Prof. Klutse highlighted the financial complexities involved, stating that potential funding mechanisms include utilizing Ghana’s carbon credits or seeking financial partnerships with international development organizations.
The devastation wrought by galamsey is widespread, significantly impacting Ghana’s water sector. Illegal mining operations have severely contaminated freshwater sources, rendering them unsafe for both human consumption and agricultural use. The southwestern basin of Ghana has been particularly hard hit, with pollution levels in major rivers reaching critically high levels. Turbidity, a measure of water clarity, has soared to alarming levels, far exceeding permissible limits. Measurements have shown turbidity levels reaching 14,000 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU), dwarfing the Ghana Standard Authority’s stipulated limit of 5 NTU for drinking water. This stark contrast reveals the magnitude of the pollution problem and the urgent need for intervention.
The restoration process will be a multifaceted undertaking, involving the removal of accumulated sediment and the painstaking extraction of heavy metals like mercury. These toxic contaminants pose serious threats to human health and aquatic life, making their removal a critical step in restoring the ecological balance. The ultimate goal is to return the water bodies to a state where they can safely support drinking water needs, domestic use, and a thriving aquatic ecosystem. The successful implementation of this restoration will require substantial financial resources and technological expertise.
Beyond the immediate restoration efforts, the EPA recognizes the importance of long-term protection for these revitalized water bodies. Prof. Klutse outlined plans to deploy armed guards to prevent future pollution and deter further illegal mining activities. This proactive approach aims to safeguard the investment made in the restoration process and ensure the long-term sustainability of the water resources. In addition to security measures, the government plans to establish a network of “water guards” within communities. These individuals will be stationed along riverbanks to monitor and protect the water bodies from illegal activities, ensuring that communities can access clean water for their daily needs.
Addressing the root cause of the problem, Prof. Klutse emphasized the government’s commitment to curbing mining activities in protected forest areas. She clarified existing legislation, stating that under the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124), no company currently holds a permit to mine within forest reserves. Furthermore, parliament is currently developing new legislation to explicitly ban mining in these ecologically sensitive zones, signaling a stronger stance against destructive practices that threaten Ghana’s natural heritage.
The meeting also provided a platform for exploring collaborative opportunities between the EPA and Knutsford University. Mr. Frank Adjei-Ntekor, the Acting Registrar of Knutsford University, expressed the university’s eagerness to partner with the EPA in training journalists on environmental issues. This initiative aims to empower journalists with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively communicate complex environmental information to the public, fostering greater awareness and understanding of environmental challenges and solutions. This collaborative approach recognizes the crucial role of accurate and accessible information in driving positive environmental change.
