Executive Director of the Water Resource Commission, Dr Bob Alfa, has urged the government to take immediate action to avert a potential water crisis in parts of Ghana.

He cautioned that within the next two to three years, Ghana may only be able to meet 20% of its water supply needs.

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) in the Central Region reported major water supply challenges in Cape Coast, Elmina, and surrounding areas, primarily due to insufficient raw water at the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant.

• Read also: GWL warns of severe water supply challenges in Cape Coast and Elmina due to ‘galamsey’ in River Pra

This shortage is largely attributed to pollution from illegal mining activities, which has critically reduced water intake from the Pra River.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, Dr Alfa said, “That would be a big challenge for Ghana if we cannot even supply the basic needs of our citizenry—water. It has been with us for so long, and I would say this is the right time, if not already too late, to take immediate action. Otherwise, we are heading toward a serious crisis.”

Dr Alfa emphasised that the consequences of illegal mining go beyond disrupting water supply, as it also leads to significant land degradation.

He noted that illegal mining negatively affects agriculture, damages the ecosystem, and poses health risks due to chemicals from polluted water bodies contaminating fish.

“Eventually, we are going to lose every life in the water body, and the picture is gloomy.”