WATER SECURITY UNDER THREAT: GALAMSEY AND THE FUTURE OF GHANA’S NATURAL RESOURCES

Water is one of the most essential resources for human survival, national development, and environmental stability. In Ghana, rivers, streams, wetlands, and groundwater systems support agriculture, industry, domestic use, and cultural life. Yet, these life-sustaining water sources are increasingly endangered by illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey. The scale and pace of environmental degradation linked to this activity have placed Ghana’s water security at critical risk. Confronting this challenge requires a renewed sense of civic duty grounded in collective responsibility rather than partisan political debate.

The most immediate consequence of galamsey is the contamination of major water bodies. Rivers such as the Pra, Offin, Ankobra, Densu, Birim, and others that were once clear and dependable now often appear heavily polluted. As miners use mercury, cyanide, and other harmful chemicals to extract gold, residues wash into the rivers. Silt from excavated land also flows into the water, increasing turbidity and reducing the natural quality of the resource.

The Ghana Water Company has repeatedly reported the rising cost of treating water from affected rivers. In some areas, the water has become so contaminated that treatment plants must operate far beyond normal capacity, and in extreme situations, may shut down temporarily. This creates direct threats to households that depend on these sources for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and sanitation.

Water contamination also poses serious health risks. Continuous exposure to polluted water can lead to skin infections, gastrointestinal diseases, and long-term health complications linked to heavy metals. Rural communities that rely on rivers and streams for daily activities are especially vulnerable. When clean water becomes scarce, families are forced to travel longer distances or rely on unsafe alternatives. The impact is felt most by children, women, and the elderly. This health dimension of the galamsey crisis shows that water insecurity is not only an environmental issue but a human well-being issue that touches the very fabric of community life.

The degradation does not end with water quality. Galamsey destroys forests, wetlands, and topsoil. Forest reserves that once protected river catchments are being cleared at alarming rates. The removal of vegetation reduces natural filtration and weakens the land’s ability to regulate water flow. Rivers that once flowed steadily are now vulnerable to drying during the dry season and flooding during the rainy season. The loss of biodiversity also affects fishing communities, as aquatic life declines or disappears. These environmental changes have long-term consequences for agriculture, food security, and local economies.

A civic lens is essential when considering solutions. While economic hardship motivates some individuals to engage in galamsey, the problem also persists because communities sometimes lack strong systems for protecting local resources. Civic responsibility involves understanding that natural resources are not personal property. They are shared national assets meant to benefit both current citizens and generations yet to come. When a river is destroyed in one community, the impact eventually extends beyond that locality. It affects downstream users, water treatment facilities, farmers, schools, and entire districts. This interconnectedness calls for a more active and informed citizenry.

Community participation is therefore crucial. Traditional authorities can help by strengthening local rules on land and water use and ensuring that communal lands are managed responsibly. Faith-based organisations can promote environmental stewardship as part of moral and ethical teaching. Teacher associations and schools can incorporate environmental awareness into civic education, helping young people understand the value of natural resources. Youth groups can volunteer for cleanup exercises and act as advocates for sustainable practices. Civil society organisations can support communities with training, awareness programmes, and monitoring of ongoing environmental changes.

Creating sustainable livelihood opportunities is equally important. Many young people enter galamsey because they see limited alternatives. Providing skills training, supporting environmentally safe small-scale mining, and promoting green businesses can offer practical options. These economic pathways help reduce the pressure on the environment while empowering individuals to earn a living without harming their communities.

The future of Ghana’s natural resources depends on choices made today. Clean water cannot be taken for granted. Without it, development slows, health declines, and community resilience weakens. The issue of galamsey must therefore be viewed not as a political argument but as a civic matter that touches national identity and shared responsibility. Every Ghanaian has a role to play, from reporting harmful activities to supporting environmental education and advocating responsible resource management.

By approaching water protection as a collective civic duty, Ghana can preserve its rivers, forests, and farmlands. The goal is not only to restore what has been damaged but to build a culture that values natural resources as central to national well-being.

Through community cooperation, civic action, and sustained commitment, Ghana can secure a future where clean water remains abundant and where the natural heritage of the country continues to support life, opportunity, and hope for generations to come.

The protection of our waters is the protection of our destiny, long live our motherland Ghana.

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