The Managing Director of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Mutawakilu Adam, has called on chiefs and traditional leaders to take a frontline role in the fight against illegal mining, warning that government efforts will fail without their full cooperation.

Speaking during a meeting between former President John Dramani Mahama and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Mr Adam said local chiefs wield significant authority over land and community activities, making them key players in either enabling or combating galamsey.

“When it comes to illegal mining, the chiefs and the communities are the first people that must stand up against it because it has a direct impact on us,” he stated.

According to him, no illegal mining takes place in a community without some level of engagement with local traditional authorities.

“There is no illegal miner who goes to a community without going to greet the chief. In Ghana, the chiefs give the lands out,” Mr Adam said. “The chiefs must support the government so that we will be able to fight illegal mining.”

He warned that the continued pollution of water bodies by galamsey operators is already threatening GWCL’s operations and could plunge the country into a water crisis.

“If we don’t fight illegal mining, it will get worse. We won’t have water to drink,” he cautioned, noting that while GWCL is deploying technical solutions, prevention remains the most effective strategy.

Mr Adam disclosed that GWCL has been forced to use more expensive treatment chemicals, such as poly-electrolyte, and is deploying horizontal pumps in areas where traditional pumping systems cannot cope with high turbidity caused by mining waste.

Despite these challenges, he commended government efforts, particularly through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, but stressed that traditional leaders must take ownership of the problem.

“The president is determined to fight it, and that is why we are all here, so we know the direction we are taking,” he said. “But we need the support of Ghanaians, especially the chiefs.”

He added that GWCL collects hourly turbidity data from major rivers and will soon share this information with the Lands Ministry to help target enforcement more effectively.