The Water Resources Commission has launched a comprehensive project to restore Ghana's polluted water bodies, focusing on rivers most affected by illegal mining and industrial pollution.
Targeted rivers:
- Pra River (Ashanti, Central, Eastern)
- Offin River (Ashanti, Central)
- Birim River (Eastern)
- Ankobra (Western)
- Tano (Brong Ahafo)
Pollution sources:
- Illegal mining (mercury, cyanide, sediment)
- Industrial waste (factories)
- Domestic sewage (cities)
- Agricultural runoff (fertilizers, pesticides)
- Solid waste dumping
Restoration activities:
- Removal of mining equipment
- Dredging of sediments
- Planting of riparian vegetation
- Water quality monitoring
- Enforcement of regulations
Progress:
- 200km of rivers cleaned
- 80% reduction in mining activity
- Water quality improving (monitoring shows)
- Fish stocks returning
- Communities using water again
Stakeholders involved:
- Water Resources Commission
- Forestry Commission
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Security services (anti-galamsey)
- Traditional authorities
- Community members
Technology used:
- Water quality testing kits
- Drones for monitoring
- Satellite imagery
- GIS mapping
- Real-time data loggers
Funding:
- GHS 200 million from government
- $50 million from development partners
- Support from mining companies (corporate social responsibility)
Challenges:
- Persistent illegal miners
- Upstream pollution
- Enforcement capacity
- Alternative livelihoods
- Community resistance to enforcement
Expected outcomes by 2026:
- All major rivers restored
- Safe water for communities
- Recovery of aquatic life
- Reduced water treatment costs
- Sustainable management systems
The project is critical for water security, as Ghana faces increasing water scarcity due to pollution and climate change.
