Political Scientist and the Head of the Center for European Studies at the University of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Asah Asante, the alarming water crisis in Cape Coast, Elmina, and surrounding areas following the concerns over the galamsey crisis in the country.

Dr. Asante emphasized the critical role illegal mining, also known as “galamsey,” plays in exacerbating this crisis, pointing out the failure of governance and its impact on Ghanaian society.

“If you look at what we are hearing, that this crisis is attributed to, the activities of Galamsey, then it tells us that, we are nothing but a failed society.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante, Political Scientist and the Head of the Center for European Studies at the University of Ghana

This statement underscored the deep-rooted issues in the country’s governance structures, especially regarding environmental management and the enforcement of laws against illegal mining activities Dr. Asante did not mince words when addressing the government’s response to the ongoing water crisis. He highlighted the negligence of government officials and their failure to protect the environment and the people.

“I am surprised that we have a government, that we have given the government all the powers that it needs to run its office and the government doesn’t care about what happens. It’s unfortunate.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante, Political Scientist and the Head of the Center for European Studies at the University of Ghana

This reflection brings to light the lack of accountability among political leaders, despite being entrusted with power to safeguard public interests. The presence of illegal foreign miners further compounds the situation, leading Dr. Asante to question Ghana’s sovereignty and security.

He asked pointedly, “Foreigners are involved and all that… I asked myself whether this country had been invaded.” This statement calls attention to the apparent indifference or inability of security forces to curb the illegal mining operations that are devastating local water bodies.

The Blame Game in Politics

Adding to the frustration, Dr. Asante criticized the political blame game between the ruling government and the opposition.

Dr. Asante’s words encapsulate the exasperation many Ghanaians feel as politicians focus on scoring political points rather than addressing the pressing environmental crisis. Dr. Asante further emphasized the absurdity of such debates, referencing a politician who boasted about doing less harm than the opposition.

“It’s a very shameful statement… I wanted him to say something different, that look, we are sorry We’ll put our acts together, and then we’ll work and reverse this situation.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante, Political Scientist and the Head of the Center for European Studies at the University of Ghana

Dr. Asante’s remarks serve as a stern reminder that this is not the time for partisan posturing but for concrete action to remedy the environmental degradation caused by illegal mining.

Long-Term Effects of Environmental Degradation

One of Dr. Asante’s major concerns is the long-term impact of galamsey on public health and the environment.

“The effect is what we see at the rental department. The effect is what we see in what the head of the Atomic Energy Commission is saying—that it’s cancer that takes a long time. Today, you consume something which is infected and you get, you know, the effect in 10 years.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante, Political Scientist and the Head of the Center for European Studies at the University of Ghana

This highlights the invisible, yet devastating, consequences of water pollution caused by illegal mining, which could result in a public health crisis a year from now. The reduction of Ghana Water Company’s capacity from 70% to 40% is a clear indicator of the severity of the situation. Dr. Asante warned that if nothing is done, this capacity could drop even further to 20% or ultimately 0%.

“We are in very difficult times and this is the time that we should stop playing ostrich, and then call people out, and make sure that anybody who is involved in this, is apprehended and handed over to the police.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante, Political Scientist and the Head of the Center for European Studies at the University of Ghana

Calling for Responsibility and Action

Dr. Asante called on Ghanaians to hold their leaders accountable, and those responsible for illegal mining must be brought to justice. He reiterated “Let us be responsible. Let us make sure that we stand up against people who do this because water is life.”

Dr. Asante’s call to action resonates with the urgency of the situation, as the destruction of water bodies threatens the very survival of communities across the affected regions. Dr. Asante further warned of the dire consequences if immediate action is not taken. He noted “A day will come. This problem will engulf all of us, and we’ll not be anywhere on the surface of this country, It’s unfortunate.”

Dr. Asante’s words serve as a wake-up call to both the government and the public to take the issue of illegal mining and its environmental impact seriously before it is too late. Dr. Asante’s remarks on the water crisis in Cape Coast and its connection to illegal mining activities underscore the urgent need for government action and public accountability.

The crisis serves as a sobering reminder that environmental degradation and political inaction have long-term consequences for the health and well-being of the nation. Dr. Asante’s call for responsibility and action should prompt not just reflection but also immediate steps to reverse the damage caused by illegal mining and safeguard Ghana’s water resources for future generations.