GoldBod Drops GH¢8.4m to Rescue Galamsey-Hit Water Plants

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has formalized a financial intervention worth GH¢8.4 million to support the rehabilitation of three critical water supply systems operated by Ghana Water Limited (GWL). The agreement, signed in Accra yesterday July 14, targets infrastructure in the Western and Central Regions that has sustained significant operational degradation, partly attributed to the environmental impact of illegal small-scale mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.

The beneficiary facilities—the Bonsa and Daboase Water Treatment Plants in the Western Region, and the Sekyere Heman Water Supply System in the Central Region—have experienced diminished treatment capacity in recent years. Official assessments indicate that excessive siltation and elevated turbidity levels in raw water sources, driven by upstream mining activities, have led to increased chemical consumption, mechanical strain on equipment, and, in some instances, temporary operational shutdowns.

The Bonsa plant, a key supplier to the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality, has previously ceased operations due to blockages at its intake point caused by sediment accumulation. Similarly, the Daboase facility, which serves parts of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, has reported rising operational costs linked to the processing of heavily contaminated raw water. The Sekyere Heman system has concurrently faced recurrent breakdowns attributed to sludge deposits affecting its treatment infrastructure.

In a statement following the signing ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, indicated that the Board’s decision followed an independent technical evaluation of the plants’ conditions. He emphasized that the project aligns with the Board’s broader mandate to promote environmental stewardship alongside mining sector oversight.

“This intervention underscores our commitment to responsible resource management, environmental remediation, and the well-being of communities impacted by mining-related challenges,” Mr. Gyamfi stated.

The Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited, Adam Mutawakilu, welcomed the financial support, describing it as a necessary measure to restore production efficiency and meet growing consumer demand in the affected regions. He noted that the collaboration highlights the need for coordinated efforts to safeguard public utilities from environmental stressors.

Industry observers have noted that conventional water treatment infrastructure is often not equipped to process the extreme sediment loads currently observed in mining-affected river basins. The rehabilitation initiative is therefore positioned as both a short-term infrastructural fix and a component of wider efforts to address the environmental liabilities associated with informal mining operations.

The two agencies have confirmed their commitment to implementing sustainable remediation measures aimed at protecting water resources and ensuring reliable potable water delivery to communities in the Western and Central Regions.