Ghana Gold Board Commits GH¢8.4 Million to Rehabilitate Water Systems Damaged by Illegal Mining

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has officially signed a GH¢8.4 million agreement with Ghana Water Limited (GWL) to rehabilitate three critical water supply systems in the Western and Central Regions. This strategic intervention is specifically designed to address the severe damage caused by illegal mining activities, which have led to heavy siltation, high turbidity, and declining water quality in these areas. The project focuses on the Bonsa, Daboase, and Sekyere Heman water supply systems, aiming to restore their operational capacity and ensure that thousands of residents regain access to clean drinking water.

The rehabilitation effort involves technical works such as desilting, dredging, and infrastructure stabilization to counteract nearly a decade of environmental degradation. According to GWL Managing Director Adam Mutawakilu, water bodies in these regions have faced escalating turbidity issues since 2017, making conventional treatment increasingly difficult and costly. The partnership is seen as a timely intervention to prevent the total collapse of water service delivery in communities most affected by the environmental impacts of the mining sector.

GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi emphasized that this initiative is a core component of the Board’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies. He noted that the restoration project aligns with the Ghana Gold Board Act 2025, which outlines the organization's responsibilities toward environmental restoration. While six water systems were initially identified as needing urgent care, the current GH¢8.4 million budget will cover the first three during this initial phase. Gyamfi underscored the Board's commitment to continuous monitoring to ensure the efficient use of funds and the successful execution of the works.

Looking ahead, both organizations have pledged transparency and accountability in managing the allocated resources. GWL has assured the public that the funds will be used to enhance water production capacity and service delivery immediately. If the first phase proves successful, GoldBod intends to pursue subsequent phases to rehabilitate the remaining identified systems. This collaboration represents a significant step in balancing Ghana's mining interests with the essential need for sustainable public infrastructure and community welfare.