Social commentator Sir Richard has raised concerns over the growing threat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, poses to Ghana’s water resources and long-term development.
Speaking on EBAANOSEN on Plan B FM, hosted by Adomba De-Starboy, Sir Richard stressed the critical importance of water to human survival, saying the popular expression “water is life” should not be treated as a mere slogan.
He warned that the continued destruction and pollution of rivers and other water bodies through illegal mining could make access to safe and affordable drinking water increasingly difficult for ordinary Ghanaians.
According to him, the impact of galamsey is already evident in the pollution of major rivers and the growing reliance on sachet and bottled water for drinking.
Sir Richard noted that many Ghanaians cannot afford to spend a significant portion of their income purchasing drinking water, particularly when the country is naturally endowed with water resources that should be protected and preserved for public use.
He argued that the fight against galamsey must move beyond political statements and promises, insisting that stronger enforcement of existing laws is needed to protect Ghana’s natural resources.
He called on chiefs, traditional authorities, politicians, security agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders to take greater responsibility for protecting water bodies and preventing illegal miners from destroying the environment for financial gain.
Sir Richard also questioned why individuals would continue engaging in activities that pollute rivers and expose communities to potentially harmful chemicals.
He cautioned that the consequences of contaminated water extend beyond the present generation, warning that future generations could inherit severely degraded water resources and an environment that would be difficult and expensive to restore.
He further called on the government to invest in effective systems for managing Ghana’s natural resources and strengthen enforcement against illegal mining while providing sustainable alternatives for communities and individuals who depend on mining for their livelihoods.
Sir Richard emphasized that protecting Ghana’s water bodies must be treated as a collective national responsibility and should not be left to government alone.
He urged chiefs and community leaders to play a stronger role in preventing illegal mining activities within their traditional areas.
According to him, Ghana must act decisively before the damage becomes irreversible, stressing that money can be replaced, but once natural water sources are destroyed, restoring them may be extremely difficult and costly.
He therefore called for stronger national action to protect Ghana’s rivers and ensure that every Ghanaian has access to safe, clean and affordable water.
By: Ernest Kumi
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