Ghana may need at least $300 million to restore water bodies contaminated by illegal mining, commonly known as “Galamsey,” according to Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
Speaking at a meeting with a delegation from Knutsford University and the Climate Communications Network in Accra, Prof. Klutse revealed that 10 companies have submitted proposals to rehabilitate the polluted water bodies. The EPA is currently assessing these proposals based on their technological approaches, application methods, environmental impact, and cost.
“We want to be careful and do due diligence on each and every application that has come in,” she emphasized.
Prof. Klutse further outlined potential funding mechanisms for the cleanup, including government financing through carbon credits and cost-sharing arrangements with development partners.
To prevent further contamination, the EPA plans to deploy armed security personnel to safeguard restored water bodies. “Once the water is cleaned, it must not be polluted again. People can use it for normal activities, but not for mining or other harmful practices,” she stated.
Illegal mining has led to severe deforestation and extensive pollution of key water sources, particularly in Ghana’s Southwestern Basin. Some affected rivers have recorded turbidity levels as high as 14,000 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU), far exceeding the Ghana Standards Authority’s limit of five NTU for safe drinking water.
The restoration process will involve desilting sediment, eliminating heavy metals such as mercury, and ensuring the water is safe for consumption, agriculture, and aquatic life.
Addressing concerns about mining in forest reserves, Prof. Klutse clarified that under the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124), no company has been granted a permit to mine in forest areas. She also disclosed that Parliament is working on a new law to completely ban mining in forest zones.
Meanwhile, Mr. Frank Adjei-Ntekor, Acting Registrar at Knutsford University, expressed the institution’s commitment to collaborating with the EPA in training journalists. This initiative aims to improve the dissemination of accurate and credible information on environmental issues.
