The Coalition of NGOs in Water and Sanitation (CONIWAS) a civil society coalition in Ghana, has expressed concern about the increasing devastation of major water bodies caused by illegal mining popularly known as Galamsey in the country, and the potential health risks it poses to Ghanaians.
CONIWAS Chairperson Beata Awinpoka Akanyani expressed this sentiment in her opening address at the Mole XXXV water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) Conference underway in Ho, the Volta Regional capital.
“CONIWAS is saddened by the increasing negative impacts of Galamsey), which has resulted in; major rivers like the Pra, Ankobra, Birim, and Offin being heavily contaminated with toxic chemicals,” Akanyani said.
She said the pollution of these rivers also pose long-term health risks including neurological disorders, kidney damage, and developmental issues in children.
“Pregnant women and young children are particularly at risk, with mercury exposure potentially causing birth defects and cognitive impairments. The contamination also contributes to waterborne diseases, skin ailments, and respiratory conditions,” the CONIWAS Chairperson noted.
Moreover, she cited reports by the Ghana Water Limited that “pollution from Galamsey has drastically increased water treatment costs, disproportionately affecting the poor and vulnerable, which is a worrying situation for us in the sector.”
“We are joining many Civil Society Organizations and Ghanaians to call on the government to take action, on this devastating issue,” Akanyani added.
The 2024 Mole WASH Conference, which is the 35th edition of the annual event, is themed: “Looking Back on the Implementation of SDG 6: Progress, Challenges, and Way Forward.”
The annual Conference started in 1989 as a multi-stakeholder forum for public and private WASH sector players to assess the country’s progress toward universal access to WASH and propose new solutions for the way forward.
CONIWAS is the lead convenor of the conference with support from all of its members and international sector NGOs, including World Vision Ghana, IRC, WaterAid Ghana, UNICEF, Global Communities, Plan Ghana, among others.