WaterAid Ghana has condemned illegal miners, labeling them “mass murderers” as their actions severely pollute water sources. Ibrahim Musah emphasized the urgent need for legal prosecution of these miners to safeguard public health and water quality. A recent study revealed alarming declines in water access and quality in the Upper East Region due to climate change, primarily affecting vulnerable communities and women.
WaterAid Ghana has deemed illegal miners in the country “mass murderers” due to their detrimental effects on water bodies. Ibrahim Musah, head of strategy, policy, and campaigns at WaterAid Ghana, emphasized that illegal mining has severely polluted water sources, hindering Ghana Water Limited’s ability to provide clean drinking water. He called for urgent legal actions against these illegal miners to protect public health and water resources.
Musah highlighted a concerning decline in water quality nationwide, affecting treatment facilities in Koforidua, Cape Coast, and Takoradi. He urged governmental authorities, particularly the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, to act decisively against illegal mining practices contributing to this decline.
Research by WaterAid revealed a significant deterioration in water services in the Upper East Region, particularly in areas like Nabdam and Bongo. The study indicated that communities are faced with reduced rainfall and access to safe drinking water, exacerbated by climate change, leading to conflicts over water resources. Women and girls, traditionally responsible for water collection, are disproportionately impacted by this crisis.
In Nabdam District, 55% of households lack safe drinking water during dry seasons, and 60% in Kassena-Nankana West rely on unprotected sources. This scarcity adversely affects food security and agricultural productivity due to poor crop yields and livestock challenges.
Jesse Kazapoe, head of the White Volta Basin at the Water Resources Commission, recommended aggressive afforestation initiatives to combat climate change effects in the Upper East Region. He noted the erratic rainfall patterns and the urgent need for measures to prevent flooding and erosion, which further diminish water quality and availability.
The study also indicated that institutions require additional resources and technical support to implement effective climate adaptation strategies. Key recommendations include rainwater harvesting solutions and infrastructure upgrades. Haruna Tia Alhassan, a development planning officer, confirmed that the assembly would integrate these findings into local development plans.
Kazapoe urged the government and communities to prioritize environmental conservation and collective action for sustainable land management. Given the widespread impact of illegal mining and climate change, prompt intervention is essential to avert a worsening water crisis and its implications for public health and agriculture in Ghana.
WaterAid Ghana’s urgent call to address illegal mining highlights the critical link between environmental degradation and water security. The decrease in water quality and access, particularly in the Upper East Region, underscores the necessity for decisive governmental action, community engagement, and environmental conservation initiatives. By tackling illegal mining and implementing adaptive strategies, Ghana can protect its water resources and enhance public health and agricultural viability.
Original Source: www.asaaseradio.com
