Stop unlawful mining earlier than treating the water – Awula Serwaa tells govt – Life Pulse Daily
Editor-in-chiefFebruary 24, 20262 Mins read9
Stop Unlawful Mining Before Treating the Water – Awula Serwaa Tells Government
Introduction
Environmental activist Awula Serwaa has issued a strong warning to the Ghanaian government, urging officials to halt illegal mining operations before investing heavily in water treatment solutions. Her statement highlights a growing concern over the country’s water pollution crisis and calls for a more strategic approach to environmental protection.
Key Points
- Illegal mining (galamsey) is the primary cause of water pollution in Ghana
- Water treatment alone cannot solve the problem if pollution continues
- The Environmental Protection Agency has launched pilot water-cleaning initiatives
- Heavy metals may still remain in treated water, posing health risks
- Treating one kilometer of polluted water costs approximately $200,000
- Restoring the Birim River alone could cost $35 million
- Serwaa proposes declaring a state of emergency on polluted water bodies
- She recommends deploying the Navy to protect rivers from further destruction
Background
Ghana faces a severe environmental crisis due to illegal small-scale mining, locally known as galamsey. These operations have devastated the country’s water bodies, contaminating rivers and streams with toxic chemicals and heavy metals. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been working to address this issue through various interventions, including pilot water-cleaning projects.
Recent reports indicate that while these treatment efforts have produced visually clearer water, experts warn that dangerous contaminants may still persist. This has raised questions about the effectiveness and sustainability of treatment-focused approaches when the source of pollution remains active.
Analysis
Awula Serwaa’s position represents a critical perspective on Ghana’s environmental strategy. Her argument centers on the principle that treating symptoms without addressing the root cause is both economically inefficient and environmentally unsustainable.
The financial implications are staggering. With treatment costs reaching $200,000 per kilometer and the Birim River restoration alone estimated at $35 million, the government faces enormous expenses. These figures become even more concerning when considering that ongoing illegal mining would continue to pollute treated water bodies.
The presence of heavy metals in treated water poses serious health risks to communities relying on these water sources. Heavy metals like mercury and lead can accumulate in the human body over time, leading to various health complications including neurological damage, kidney problems, and developmental issues in children.
Practical Advice
For policymakers and environmental authorities, Serwaa’s recommendations suggest a shift in strategy:
1. **Immediate enforcement action**: Prioritize the complete shutdown of illegal mining operations
2. **Resource allocation**: Redirect funds from treatment to prevention and enforcement
3. **Military involvement**: Consider using specialized forces like the Navy for river protection
4. **Emergency declaration**: Officially recognize the water pollution crisis as a national emergency
5. **Community engagement**: Work with local communities to report and prevent illegal mining activities
FAQ
**Q: What is galamsey?**
A: Galamsey is the local term for illegal small-scale gold mining in Ghana, which often involves environmentally destructive practices.
**Q: Why is treating polluted water not enough?**
A: Treatment addresses symptoms but not the cause. If illegal mining continues, water bodies will remain contaminated despite treatment efforts.
**Q: What are the health risks of contaminated water?**
A: Contaminated water can contain heavy metals and toxic chemicals that cause various health issues, including kidney damage, neurological problems, and developmental disorders.
**Q: How much does water treatment cost in Ghana?**
A: Treating one kilometer of polluted water costs approximately $200,000, while restoring major rivers like the Birim could cost up to $35 million.
**Q: What solution does Awula Serwaa propose?**
A: She advocates for stopping illegal mining first, declaring a state of emergency on polluted water bodies, and deploying the Navy to protect rivers.
Conclusion
The debate sparked by Awula Serwaa’s statement highlights a fundamental challenge in environmental management: the need to address root causes rather than symptoms. While water treatment provides immediate relief, it cannot offer a lasting solution when the source of pollution remains active. Ghana’s water crisis requires a comprehensive approach that combines strict enforcement against illegal mining with sustainable treatment solutions. Only by stopping the pollution at its source can the country hope to restore its water bodies and protect public health for future generations.
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