Galamsey Damage: Ghana’s Polluted Waterbodies Could Take Up to 3 Centuries to Recover, Experts Warn

Environmental Crisis Deepens

The devastating ecological toll of illegal small-scale mining, locally known as ‘galamsey,’ continues to spark urgent warnings across Ghana. According to a prominent professor from the University of Cape Coast (UCC), the country’s severely polluted rivers and degraded lands could take anywhere from 100 to 300 years to fully recover naturally, casting a long shadow over future generations.

The alarming assessment comes amid a broader national conversation on infrastructural development, policy reforms, and accountability. While political leaders outline ambitious fiscal commitments—including major budgetary allocations for infrastructure and judicial facilities—environmental advocates emphasize that ecological restoration must remain a paramount priority to avert an irreversible public health and water security crisis.

Key Takeaways

• UCC professor warns that heavily polluted waterbodies and lands from galamsey require up to three centuries for natural recovery.
• Environmental degradation remains a critical national debate, overshadowing routine political and infrastructural updates.
• Experts call for immediate, aggressive policy interventions to halt ongoing destruction and initiate active land reclamation.
• Public pressure mounts on authorities to enforce stricter regulations against illegal mining operations threatening Ghana’s major river basins.