The Ghana Chapter of the UNOWAS Working Group on Women, Youth in Peace and Security (WG-WYPS) has expressed concern about the imminent water crises facing Ghanaians due to the devastating impact of illegal mining.

A statement issued by Mrs Theodora Williams Anti, the Convenor for WG -WYPS Ghana Chapter, copied to the Ghana News Agency said: ‘We recognise that water is a basic necessity

of life, and its availability or lack thereof, affect all persons, particularly, women and children disproportionately’.

‘We are alarmed by the numerous reports, over the past weeks, some with graphic and disturbing images, on galamsey and the devastation it is causing the environment and citizens’.

It said for instance, an ‘Ecological Study of Galamsey Activities in Ghana and their Physiological Toxicity,’ published by the Journal of Environmental Toxicology Research in 2024, highlights among others, the high levels of contamination that Galamsey was causing to water bodies in ‘districts like Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai, Bodi
and Juabeso’.

It said the report also noted how water pollution resulting from illegal mining activities, had led to severe contamination of major rivers such as Pra, Ankobra and Birim; the negative effects of which were felt by local communities (more particularly women and children) and the country’s ecosystem.

The statement said the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS 7) Main Report, also stated that approximately 71 per cent of rural households had issues with their drinking water such as odor, colour and suspended materials.

It said Ghana was increasingly facing severe water and climate security challenges threatening not only livelihoods and health but also the peace and stability of their communities.

It said in addition to the climate induced threats to water supply, illegal mining activities, with their related degradation of marginalised community’ resources, exacerbate the plight of community members, especially women and children.

It reiterated that the Working Group could not over-emphasize
how the nation’s lands and water bodies were being destroyed.

Adding that huge lands were being degraded causing deaths and injuries to many young people and women who were involved further threatening health, food and water security.

The statement said Galamsey threatens the United Nations Security Council Resolutions that governs Ghana’s commitment to peace, security and community resilience.

It said these Resolutions, which Ghana had domesticated through the development of

National Action Plans must seek to Protect and Prevent the peace and security of the populace.

On a call to action, the statement said given the importance of water security to the security of women and children, the WG-WYPS, demands from the President of Ghana, through relevant Ministries and government agencies, an urgent release of a road map on tackling the water security challenges posed by galamsey operations in the country.

It called on decision makers, especially Parliament, to take urgent and coordinated action to address
the critical issues such as strengthening governance and enforcement by implementing and enforcing laws and frameworks, local and international, to protect water resources and combat illegal mining.

Strengthening local governance structures to ensure that women and youth are included in decision-making processes related to resource management and conflict resolution.

Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods, namely investment in sustainable agricultural practices, clean energy, and other economic opportunities that empower women and youth while protecting the environment.

It urged enhanced health and education services by improving access to health services, particularly in areas affected by water pollution and ensuring that educational programmes emphasised the importance of environmental stewardship and resilience.

Others are addressing the root causes of conflict over resources by promoting community dialogue and collaboration and support for peacebuilding initiatives that priorities the needs and voices of w
omen and youth.

‘We also call on citizens, especially women and young people, to call out nonchalant behaviours, politicians, and businesses that fuel the galamsey menace to protect our future as citizens,’ it said.

It said the group would monitor the situation and take further actions when necessary.

Source: Ghana News Agency