The Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has made an impassioned appeal to the Speaker of Parliament, addressing the critical issue of illegal mining, popularly known as “galamsey,” and its devastating impact on the country’s water resources. Coming under Order 91(2), Hon. Ablakwa expressed deep concern about the increasing difficulty Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) is facing in processing water due to the widespread pollution of rivers across the country.
The primary focus of Hon. Ablakwa’s submission was the alarming reports from the GWCL about the water crisis, particularly in the Central Region. According to Hon. Ablakwa, Ghana Water Company has issued several statements in recent days, highlighting the severity of the situation. Hon. Ablakwa quoted from these reports, emphasizing that:
“They are now finding it very difficult to process water. Indeed, in the Central Region, they report that the Pra River is polluted, and the turbidity levels have gone beyond 14,000 NTU. Which is far, far higher than the acceptable levels of about 2,000 NTU.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa the Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency
Moreover, Hon. Ablakwa noted that, water shortages have become rampant due to extreme pollution. Communities are experiencing water rationing as GWCL struggles to treat and distribute clean water. Hon. Ablakwa emphasized the broader implications of this crisis, warning that:
“They are now rationing water. There are water shortages in many, many communities in the Central Region.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa the Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency
This issue is not confined to the Central Region alone. According to Hon. Ablakwa, the water crisis is spreading beyond regional boundaries, and the capital city, Accra, is also starting to feel the impact. This nationwide concern highlights the urgent need for the government to take swift and decisive action.
Existential Threat to Water Resources
Hon. Ablakwa further described the situation as an existential threat to Ghana’s water resources. The galamsey menace, which has persisted despite government interventions, continues to wreak havoc on the country’s rivers and water bodies. He cited a chilling warning from the Ghana Water Company, predicting that the nation may face an even more dire scenario shortly. He asserted; “Ghana Water is saying that within the next 2, 3 years if the trend continues, they may have to import water. Mr. Speaker, that is how dire the situation is.”
This statement underscored the severity of the situation, that Ghana, a country that is rich in natural water bodies, faces the unprecedented possibility of needing to import water if galamsey activities are not curtailed.
Urgent Call for Ministerial Accountability
Moreover, Hon. Ablakwa made a direct appeal to the Speaker of Parliament, urging him to summon the ministers responsible for the environment, sanitation, and water resources before the House. He emphasized the urgency of the situation and requested that Parliament prioritize this issue before adjourning:
“So, I want to appeal to your good self, Right Honorable Speaker, if you can direct that before we rise—this two days is a good time—to get the ministers responsible for the environment and sanitation and water resources, to appear before us.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa the Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency
Hon. Ablakwa’s appeal reflects a growing sense of frustration and concern among citizens and lawmakers alike, as the galamsey menace continues to threaten not only the environment but also the very survival of communities across the country. The ministerial accountability he calls for is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the crisis head-on. Hon. Ablakwa highlighted the grave water crisis Ghana faces due to illegal mining activities. The turbidity levels in rivers, particularly in the Central Region, have escalated beyond acceptable standards, leading to water shortages and rationing in several communities.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Water Company has issued stark warnings about the future, even suggesting that the country may have to import water if the current trends continue. Hon. Ablakwa’s appeal to Parliament is a call for urgent action to mitigate the galamsey threat and protect Ghana’s water resources from further degradation.
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