By King Amoah.
The ongoing struggle against unlawful mining activities in Ghana has reached a critical point, prompting urgent calls for government intervention.
Rev. David Armstrong, founder and leader of Mo Mary Fellowship in an interview, has sounded the alarm on the detrimental impacts of these illicit practices, particularly their contributions to the country’s escalating water shortages.
The clergy observed that illegal mining, often referred to as “galamsey,” has wreaked havoc on Ghana’s ecological and hydrological systems.
Once celebrated for its abundant natural resources, the country is now witnessing a deterioration of its water bodies due to rampant and unchecked mining operations.
According to the man of God,. rivers that once flowed freely have become polluted, while aquifers are being depleted at alarming rates, leading to a crisis that affects not only the environment but also public health and livelihoods.
Rev. Armstrong has communicated that the water crisis facing the nation is inextricably linked to the unregulated mining sector.
“We are standing at the precipice of a disaster,” he remarked, adding, “If immediate action is not taken, we may find ourselves facing an even larger humanitarian crisis with millions lacking access to safe drinking water.”
Armstrong reiterated that for the fact that mining is a vital industry for Ghana’s economy, providing jobs and contributing to GDP, unlawful mining operations often neglect environmental regulations and safety standards.
The use of toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide has led to the pollution of water supplies, affecting both agricultural practices and community health.
As pollutants seep into rivers and lakes, they compromise the water quality that local populations rely on for drinking, cooking, and sanitation, the clergy explained.
Moreover, this illegal activity exacerbates the issue of land degradation, leaving once-fertile regions barren and unable to support farming, a primary source of income for many Ghanaians.
Rev. Armstrong insists that the government must prioritize addressing the challenges posed by unlawful mining.
“We need a multi-faceted approach that combines enforcement of existing laws, education, and community engagement,” he noted.
Rev David Armstrong noted that the evidence is clear that the unlawful mining activities are a significant contributor to the worsening water crisis in Ghana.
And that as alarming reports surface about depleted water resources and polluted ecosystems, the time for the government to act is now, Rev. David Armstrong concluded.
