Water bodies in Ghana are a vital source of livelihood for many communities, however, they face significant threats from illegal mining activities, otherwise known as galamsey.

A report shared on the official X page of Joy FM on Monday, September 30, 2024, stated that 16 water bodies in the country have been polluted due to galamsey.

It said the affected rivers include Ankobra, Tano, Bia, Offin, Pra, Oda, Ashire and Birim. The rest are Ayensu, Subri, Anum, Oti, Black Volta, Densu, Bonza and Amazunle.

Public discourse on illegal mining activities intensified in the country following an announcement by the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) on August 30, 2024, that relentless illegal mining activities in the Pra River, have severely disrupted their operations.

The company's management in the Central Region, said water supply in Cape Coast, Elmina, and neighbouring communities have been drastically affected, leaving residents in a challenging situation.

It further indicated that about 60% of its catchment capacity has been silted as a result of illegal mining (galamsey) compromising the quality of raw water.

“We are currently recording an average turbidity of 14,000 NTU instead of 2000 NTU designed for adequate treatment.

"Currently, the plant can produce only about 7,500 m3/day, a quarter of its installed capacity,” the company indicated.

Read the post below

List of major polluted rivers in Ghana. #JoySMS pic.twitter.com/ohHlEQT6ab

— Joy 99.7 FM (@Joy997FM) September 30, 2024