The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has committed GH¢8.4 million to support the rehabilitation of critical water infrastructure affected by illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey.
The funding forms part of a partnership between GoldBod and Ghana Water Limited (GWL) aimed at restoring damaged water supply systems impacted by severe siltation and environmental degradation caused by illegal mining.
Under the first phase of the intervention, three water treatment facilities the Bonsa, Daboase, and Sekyere Hemang water supply systems will undergo rehabilitation. These facilities are among six water systems identified as having suffered damage from galamsey activities.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, said the initiative reflects the board’s commitment to environmental sustainability, particularly land reclamation and ecological restoration.
He explained that the agreement was designed not only to provide financial support but also to ensure proper monitoring and accountability in the use of the funds.
“We don’t want to just use money; we want to be interested in how the funds are applied,” Mr. Gyamfi said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Water Limited, Adam Mutawakilu, welcomed the partnership, describing it as a crucial step toward addressing the impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s water resources.
He said a technical team from both institutions assessed the affected sites before the agreement was reached to confirm the extent of the damage and the need for intervention.
Mr. Mutawakilu assured GoldBod that the funds would be used responsibly, with measures in place to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the rehabilitation process.
