The Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) and the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) will formally launch “Operation Clean the Water Bodies” in an innovative effort to counteract the catastrophic impacts of illicit mining, known locally as “galamsey,” on the country’s essential water supplies.
This creative collaboration uses cutting-edge technology to directly address the harm that illegal mining operations inflict to the environment. The findings of their early pilot program indicate significant improvements in important river systems.
This ambitious initiative’s pilot phase has already shown notable success in two severely affected streams, the River Pra and the River Bromo.
These preliminary results signify the start of a nationwide initiative to recover and restore Ghana’s polluted water bodies.
Turbidity fell from 3,000 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) to just 0.5 NTU in the Beposo portion of the River Pra, and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) dropped from 450 mg/L to 25 mg/L.
Most significantly, lead contamination decreased from 0.51 mg/L to 0.01 mg/L, which is much below WHO guidelines.
Notable outcomes were also seen in the Nkroful segment of the Bromo River.
There was a drop in total suspended solids from 13,400 parts per million (ppm) to less than 0.1 ppm and turbidity from 2,390 NTU to 13 NTU.
The apparent color of the water much improved as well, going from 79,738 ppm to 253 ppm. These results demonstrate the efficacy of the program and offer a viable foundation for extending “Operation Clean the Water Bodies” throughout the country to guarantee cleaner water for galamsey-affected populations and ecosystems.
The project steering team’s deputy chairman, Professor Richard K. Amankwah, vice chancellor of UMAT and enthusiastic about the accomplishments, said, ”The use of eco-friendly solutions has delivered exceptional outcomes. This collaboration with MIIF marks a key engineering milestone in our mission to restore Ghana’s rivers and ensure their sustainability for future generations”.
The CEO of MIIF, Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng, emphasized the project’s importance for the future economic growth and well-being of the country. “Clean water is vital to Ghana’s health and prosperity,” he said.
“MIIF is proud to be part of this initiative, which aligns with the Fund’s commitment to environmental responsibility and long-term sustainable growth. The long-term success of this operation however hinges on a complete stop of illegal mining in our water-bodies,” he continued.
In tackling this environmental problem, Professor Douglas Boateng, Chairman of MIIF and acting Chairman of “Operation Clean the Water Bodies,” emphasized the critical necessity for coordinated action.
“We created this problem, and only through collective effort can we fix it. The damage is vast, but with focused engineering initiatives we can restore our rivers and prevent further harm. This initiative is not only about cleaning our water-bodies but also about empowering communities to take ownership of their environmental stewardship. Together, we can build a future where our natural resources are preserved and cherished,” Prof. Boateng said.
“Success in this endeavour will require cooperation among all stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies and civil society. We must unite to reclaim our rivers and secure a healthier environment for generations to come.” the professor concluded
The collaboration between MIIF and UMaT, the top mining university in West Africa, represents a significant turning point in Ghana’s fight against galamsey pollution.
It provides a long-term, viable answer to one of the most urgent environmental problems facing the nation.
But he also noted that the continuous success of “Operation Clean the Water Bodies” ultimately hinges on the total cessation of illicit mining operations in and around Ghana’s water bodies, highlighting the necessity of ongoing enforcement and monitoring in addition to these restoration initiatives.
Source: newsthemegh.com