In water, mercury transforms into methylmercury, a highly toxic substance that accumulates in fish and other aquatic life forms, endangering the aquatic ecosystem and the communities that depend on fish for nutrition. Research indicates that mercury levels in certain water bodies in Ghana significantly exceed safe thresholds.

Sedimentation and water clarity

The process of mining also involves removing topsoil and rock, which is often discarded into waterways, resulting in excessive sediment build-up. This can prevent sunlight penetration, which hinders photosynthesis in aquatic plants and, in so doing, disrupts the whole aquatic ecosystem. Heightened turbidity also reduces oxygen levels, adversely affecting fish and other organisms.

Water that is laden with sediment presents significant challenges and increased costs for treatment, and this has an impact on communities and industries that depend on clean water for drinking and other purposes. The Ghana Water Company has already had to suspend or restrict water treatment operations in some areas, resulting in water shortages.

"Mercury levels in certain water bodies in Ghana significantly exceed safe thresholds"

Galamsey activities frequently redirect rivers and streams to extract resources from riverbeds, thereby disrupting the natural water flow and harming organisms that depend on specific habitats. Fish populations are particularly at risk, as alterations to their habitats interfere with breeding cycles and diminish food sources. This decreases biodiversity and undermines the resilience of ecosystems, which in turn affects local communities reliant on the river for fishing and agriculture.

Health hazards

The health consequences of water pollution from illegal mining are extensive. Exposure to mercury is associated with neurological and developmental disorders. Consuming water or food tainted with cyanide can lead to severe respiratory issues, cardiac arrest and, in extreme cases, death.
The health risks linked to illegal mining extend beyond individual communities, presenting a public health challenge for Ghana as a whole.

Over time, the cumulative effects of chronic mercury exposure can lead to significant health crises, especially in remote communities with limited access to well-equipped healthcare facilities.

Economic impacts

The Ghana Water Company says that treating contaminated water has pushed up its operational costs, which they often have to pass on to consumers or they restrict water supply in impacted areas.

Polluted water also damages crops and diminishes yields. Farmers dependent on river water for irrigation experience decreased productivity, and even the complete loss of cultivable land. The fishing industry also suffers because of illegal mining, as contaminated rivers and lakes reduce fish populations. Over time, these economic challenges exacerbate poverty, particularly in rural communities that depend on agriculture and fishing for their livelihoods.

Regulatory and policy challenges

The difficulties associated with illegal mining are intensified by inadequate regulatory enforcement and policy deficiencies. While Ghana has regulations for small-scale mining, enforcement is hindered by limited resources, corruption and political interference. Despite initiatives by the government, such as Operation Vanguard – a taskforce aimed at addressing illegal mining – these operations continue because of the high demand for gold and the absence of alternative employment for many people.

The environmental, health and economic impacts of illegal mining on water bodies in Ghana are profound and extensive. Tackling the practice requires a cooperative approach among policymakers, communities and stakeholders to ensure the preservation of the environment for future generations.

Edward Debrah MIEMA CENV is an HSEQ executive.