Member of Parliament for North Tongu Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (NDC), has issued a stern warning to Parliament, urging immediate and decisive action to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, before it irreparably destroys Ghana’s water bodies.

Speaking during a parliamentary session, Mr Ablakwa expressed grave concern over the rapid deterioration of the country’s rivers due to illegal mining activities.

He highlighted the dire situation in the Central Region, where the Pra River, once a vital water source, is now heavily polluted.

“Mr Speaker, the turbidity levels in the Pra River have soared beyond 14,000 NTU, far exceeding the acceptable level of around 2,000 NTU. This has forced authorities to ration water, leading to shortages in many communities, not only in the Central Region but also extending to the capital and other parts of the country,” he noted.

Mr Ablakwa, who chairs Parliament's Assurances Committee, urged Parliament to use its current two-day recall to summon the Ministers responsible for Lands and Natural Resources, Environment, and Water Resources.

He called for a thorough briefing on the measures being taken to address the galamsey menace and protect the nation’s water bodies.

“We are facing an existential threat,” Mr Ablakwa warned. “The Ghana Water Company has indicated that if this trend continues, we may have to resort to importing water within the next two to three years. The situation is dire.”

He further appealed to the Speaker of Parliament to ensure that before the House rises, the relevant ministers appear before Parliament to provide detailed updates on their efforts to combat galamsey.

“Apart from the Volta River, it appears that all our major rivers have been severely affected by illegal mining. This is an urgent matter, and with the limited time we have, we must seize this opportunity to hold the ministers accountable and to demand immediate action to save lives and our water bodies.”

Mr Ablakwa also raised alarms about the public health implications of the polluted water, citing reports from health practitioners about rising cases of medical conditions linked to the consumption of contaminated food and water.

“They are finding lead, cyanide, and mercury in the food people are eating, leading to various health issues. Pregnant women are experiencing complications, and babies are being born with deformities,” he lamented.

Concluding his statement, Ablakwa expressed deep concern that the fight against galamsey appears to be failing.

“It seems galamsey has defeated us, but we cannot afford to give up. This is not just about the environment; it’s about our survival. We cannot let this crisis lead us to collective suicide.

Therefore, I make a special appeal to the Speaker to ensure that the ministers responsible for this issue come before us and outline the steps they are taking to combat this menace.”

Read also : Galamsey: Ghana on the brink of severe water crisis – GWCL warns