Illegal gold mining has had devastating consequences in Ghana, particularly in the southern regions where lush forests and thriving cocoa plantations have been replaced by barren wastelands. Professor Nana Browne Klutse, the Acting CEO of the EPA, has declared the situation an emergency and called for urgent assistance from development partners to fund the country’s reclamation efforts.
In a recent interview with the Ghana News Agency, Prof. Klutse highlighted the need for additional funding to scale up land reclamation projects beyond the pilot phase. While some companies have expressed willingness to help restore the land, Ghana is required to bear the cost of the technology post-pilot phase. The professor also stressed the importance of mining companies contributing to a bond for land reclamation upon receiving permits, as many illegal miners have left vast areas degraded without being held accountable.
With the enactment of the Environmental Protection Act 2025, the EPA plans to enhance monitoring and enforcement mechanisms by establishing district-level offices to oversee environmental regulations. Prof. Klutse assured the public that efforts were underway to restore polluted water bodies, although it would be a time-consuming process.
Illegal mining activities have led to severe land degradation, declining agricultural yields, and water pollution in Ghana. Over 670 square kilometers of land, equivalent to the size of Singapore, have been destroyed by illegal mining, according to a report by the Centre for Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Services.
The water pollution caused by illegal mining poses significant threats to water quality, ecosystems, and public health. High levels of water turbidity have made it challenging to treat water in certain regions, leading to machinery breakdowns and increased costs of water treatment. Contaminated water sources have forced communities to seek unsafe alternatives for water supply.
The health risks associated with illegal mining-related water pollution include kidney failure, birth defects, and cancer. Major rivers in Ghana, such as the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim, have been severely polluted, endangering both human populations and wildlife.
To address these challenges, Ghana must secure strategic funding, enforce environmental regulations effectively, and collaborate with international partners to implement sustainable land and water management practices. Urgent intervention is needed to prevent long-term environmental and economic consequences. The EPA continues to appeal for support to mitigate the damage caused by illegal mining and safeguard the country’s environment for future generations.
