Illegal Mining Forces Shutdown of Key Water Plant in Ghana

AFRICAN BUSINESS AND ECONOMYJanuary 7, 2025 at 11:37 PM UTC

TLDR

Ghana Water Co. has shut down a water treatment plant supplying 75% of potable water to Tarkwa
The closure of the country's largest mining hub, due to pollution caused by illegal gold mining
While Ghana is Africa’s largest gold producer, surging global gold prices have fueled an illicit mining rush

Ghana Water Co. has shut down a water treatment plant supplying 75% of potable water to Tarkwa, the country's largest mining hub, due to pollution caused by illegal gold mining, locally known as "galamsey."

The facility draws water from the River Bonsa, which has been severely affected by the activities of small-scale, informal miners. While Ghana is Africa’s largest gold producer, surging global gold prices have fueled an illicit mining rush, with weak enforcement enabling widespread environmental degradation.

Large operators like AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields, and Newmont maintain regulated operations, but authorities attribute the pollution to unregulated, small-scale mining.

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Key Takeaways

The ecological toll of illegal mining became a central issue in Ghana’s recent elections, contributing to the defeat of the incumbent administration. Incoming President John Mahama, inaugurated Tuesday, faces mounting pressure to combat galamsey and address its impact on communities and natural resources. The shutdown in Tarkwa underscores the urgent need for stronger regulations and enforcement to balance economic reliance on gold production with environmental sustainability. With water resources increasingly under threat, Mahama’s administration will be expected to deliver immediate action to restore potable water supplies and prevent further ecological damage.

Ghana

Illegal Mining

Gold Mining

AngloGold Ashanti

Gold Fields

Newmont