Convenor of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, has urged government to take immediate action to end illegal mining in the country.

He warned of an impending water crisis if the situation continues.

Speaking at a forum on September 11, Dr. Ashigbey pointed out that the ongoing drought in eight regions of Ghana highlights the urgency of the issue.

“You see what God has done, there is a drought now as well. If we don’t act now, we will start licking clay as water,” he said.

His comments come after Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) expressing deep concern over the high volumes of water loss during the treatment process, which he said have far exceeded acceptable limits.

Dr Braimah explained that the ideal water loss in treatment plants should be around 5%, but currently, losses range between 35% and 50%, a situation he described as “very harmful to our health.”

Dr Ashigbey further called for the declaration of a state of emergency for water bodies affected by galamsey, urging the president to invoke Article 31 of the Constitution.

“The president should act now. He has the power to go into the constitution in article 31 and declare that state of emergency.”

He also criticised the Speaker of Parliament for merely lamenting the issue, demanding that MPs involved in the illegal activity be named.

Dr. Ashigbey warned that the Coalition would initiate a media blackout of environmental issues concerning the Lands Ministry if decisive action is not taken.