Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), has issued a strong directive to all regional and area offices to intensify their monitoring efforts in the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Her order comes as part of the ongoing nationwide effort to curb environmental destruction, particularly the pollution of water bodies caused by illegal mining activities.
During a recent visit to Beposo in the Western Region, Prof. Klutse underscored the urgency of proactive field monitoring to address the alarming deterioration of water bodies. She emphasized the importance of EPA officials being on the ground, actively assessing the situation and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
“I’m on the field as the CEO, monitoring galamsey issues, monitoring the situation of the water pollution. All my staff in all the regional offices, and area offices, must get out there on this same mission to make sure that people are complying with the environmental rules,” she stated.
The visit to Beposo, a town situated along the Pra River, revealed the devastating impact of illegal mining on the water body. Standing beneath the Beposo bridge, Prof. Klutse pointed to the visibly contaminated river, describing how illegal mining activities upstream had significantly affected the quality of the water.
“We are currently standing below the bridge of Beposo, and you can see that the Pra River is contaminated. And this is as a result of illegal mining people are doing inside the water, right from the Eastern regional part of River Pra. The polluted water then gets to this side,” she observed.
The pollution of the Pra River is just one example of the widespread environmental damage caused by galamsey operations. Rivers that once provided clean water for drinking, cooking, and farming are now unsafe due to the presence of heavy metals and toxic chemicals used in illegal mining. The discoloration of the river and its visibly murky appearance serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked mining activities.
Prof. Klutse expressed deep concern over the state of the river and the broader environmental impact of illegal mining. She noted that the continued degradation of water bodies poses a serious threat to public health, aquatic life, and agricultural productivity. Without urgent intervention, she warned, the situation could become irreversible, leading to long-term consequences for communities that rely on these water sources.
As part of efforts to combat the crisis, the EPA is calling on community members and traditional authorities to play a more active role in protecting water resources. Prof. Klutse urged residents in affected areas to report illegal mining activities to the EPA, emphasizing that local communities have the power to prevent further environmental destruction.
“EPA is pleading with the community members, especially those in areas where illegal mining in our water bodies is happening, to let EPA know. They have the capacity to prevent people from mining illegally in their water bodies,” she said.
She further called on chiefs and elders to use their authority to help safeguard rivers and other water bodies. Traditional leaders, she noted, have historically played a key role in maintaining law and order within their communities. By taking a firm stand against illegal mining, they can help ensure that water sources remain clean and safe for future generations.
“We’re also pleading with chiefs and elders that they should also stamp on their authority so that the rivers community members use for their domestic purposes will not be destroyed or polluted the way we’re seeing it,” she added.
The EPA’s intensified crackdown on illegal mining comes at a time when Ghana is grappling with severe environmental challenges linked to galamsey. The use of mercury and other harmful chemicals in mining has led to widespread contamination of water bodies, rendering them unsafe for human consumption. Additionally, deforestation and land degradation caused by mining activities have further exacerbated environmental concerns, threatening biodiversity and contributing to climate change.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Prof. Klutse has vowed to ensure that the EPA remains vigilant in enforcing environmental laws. She stressed that her leadership would prioritize direct engagement with affected communities and rigorous field monitoring to hold illegal miners accountable.
Ghana’s fight against illegal mining has been a longstanding challenge, with successive governments implementing various measures to curb the menace. Despite efforts such as military interventions, task forces, and community sensitization programs, illegal mining continues to thrive in some areas, driven by economic hardship and the high demand for gold.
In recent years, several water treatment plants have been forced to shut down due to excessive pollution, depriving communities of access to clean drinking water. This has led to increased reliance on sachet water and other expensive alternatives, placing financial strain on ordinary citizens.
Experts have warned that if immediate steps are not taken to address illegal mining, Ghana could face a severe water crisis in the near future. The World Bank and other international organizations have also raised concerns about the long-term environmental and economic impact of galamsey, urging authorities to strengthen enforcement mechanisms.
Prof. Klutse’s directive to EPA regional and area offices signals a renewed commitment to tackling the crisis head-on. Her call for intensified monitoring means that EPA officials will be expected to conduct frequent inspections, engage with local communities, and ensure that environmental regulations are strictly enforced.
The success of this initiative, however, will depend on the cooperation of all stakeholders, including local authorities, security agencies, and the general public. Without collective action, efforts to combat illegal mining will continue to face resistance from those who benefit financially from the practice.
As the EPA scales up its monitoring efforts, the agency is also exploring the use of technology to enhance its operations. Satellite imagery, drones, and other surveillance tools are being considered to help detect illegal mining activities in remote areas. By leveraging technology, the EPA hopes to improve its ability to track and respond to environmental violations more effectively.
For communities affected by galamsey, the hope is that these renewed efforts will lead to tangible improvements in water quality and environmental conditions. Many residents who depend on rivers for their daily needs are eager to see stricter enforcement and meaningful action against illegal miners.
As Prof. Klutse continues her nationwide monitoring tour, her message remains clear: protecting Ghana’s natural resources is a shared responsibility, and every citizen must play a role in safeguarding the environment. Through strengthened regulations, community involvement, and unwavering commitment from government agencies, the country can make significant progress in the fight against illegal mining and its devastating consequences.
With the EPA now ramping up its response, all eyes will be on how effectively these measures are implemented in the coming months. The battle against galamsey is far from over, but with sustained efforts and collective action, there is hope for a cleaner and more sustainable future for Ghana’s water bodies and natural environment.
