Galamsey has polluted 60% of Ghana's water bodies - CSIR-WRI scientist

Dr. Franco Enobrenaco, a senior scientist at the CSIR-Water Research Institute (CSIR-WRI), warned during a presentation at the CSIR-WRI Mid-Year Review 2026 that about 60% of Ghana's water bodies are polluted. He stated that this situation is largely driven by illegal mining, known as galamsey, which contaminates rivers and groundwater. Dr. Enobrenaco cautioned that Ghana could eventually be forced to import water if urgent measures are not taken, stating, "If we have 100% and 60% of our water bodies polluted, the rest is 40%… We are going to import water. I know that some people are already importing water."

He called for a two-pronged approach involving the reduction or elimination of illegal mining, the provision of alternative livelihoods for affected miners, and strict enforcement of mining laws. Dr. Enobrenaco also urged authorities to adopt integrated remediation methods rather than relying on a single technology. He noted that polluted water poses serious risks to public health, agriculture, industry, and energy generation, and treating contaminated water comes at a significant economic cost. He cited the restoration of the Thames River in the United Kingdom as evidence that polluted water bodies can be recovered.