Accra: The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has held discussions with the Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited (GWL), Mr. Adam Mutawakilu, on deepening collaboration between the two institutions to protect the nation’s water bodies and ensure sustainable water production. The meeting, held in Accra, focused on the shared challenges facing the water and natural resources sectors, particularly the impact of illegal mining (galamsey) on rivers and streams that serve as raw water sources for domestic and industrial supply.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Buah stated that the Government is committed to protecting water resources and restoring the natural environment through targeted reforms, enforcement, and innovative initiatives, including the ‘Tree for Life’ afforestation project and the ‘Blue Water Guards’ program. The ‘Tree for Life’ initiative, launched by President John Dramani Mahama in the Ashanti Region, aims to restore degraded landscapes while creating jobs for young people. The Blue Water Guards, a group of young Ghanaians, act as first responders and intelligence officers to protect rivers from illegal mining activities.
The Minister disclosed that the Ministry is introducing reforms in the mining sector to tackle the root causes of illegal mining. The Government has completed a national review of small-scale mining licenses, revoking more than 300 due to irregularities. Mr. Buah emphasized the need for transparency and community participation in the licensing process, stating that local mining committees must endorse every license.
The Ministry is also strengthening enforcement through technology, introducing tracking devices and geo-fencing systems for excavators to ensure they operate only within licensed zones. Mr. Buah stressed that while gold mining is vital to Ghana’s economy, it must be conducted responsibly and sustainably. The Ministry is promoting ‘Responsible Cooperatives’-groups of small-scale miners trained to operate legally and sustainably.
Mr. Adam Mutawakilu, MD of Ghana Water Ltd, commended the Ministry’s efforts and noted positive results in improving water quality at treatment plants. However, he highlighted ongoing challenges of siltation and salinity at raw water intakes, which affect operations. Mr. Mutawakilu warned that if siltation is not addressed, it could lead to severe water shortages during the dry season. He expressed GWL’s readiness to partner with the Ministry to find sustainable solutions, including desilting major raw water sources and enforcing mining regulations.