The head of the Aduana Ablade family in Kwanyako, Central Region, is calling for extreme measures, including a “shoot-to-kill” policy, to combat illegal mining (galamsey), which he blames for the worsening water crisis in the area.
The Kwanyako Water Treatment Plant, which serves over 13 districts in the Central Region, has been completely shut down due to damage caused by illegal mining along the Ayensu River. Once producing up to 25,000 cubic meters of treated water daily, the plant is now inactive, leaving thousands without access to clean drinking water.
As residents turn to unsafe sources, public concern continues to grow.
“Use the Gun” – Chief’s Call to Action
Emmanuel Kwabena Mensah Amoah, family head of the Aduana Ablade clan in Kwanyako, criticized what he sees as a lack of political will to stop galamsey. Speaking in an emotionally charged statement, he urged President John Mahama to take drastic military action to protect Ghana’s water bodies.
“If I were head of state, I would use the military and the police. After all efforts at persuasion fail, you must use force. Kill one, two, three, or four of them—they will stop,” he declared.
“I don’t support violence, but in this case, people may have to die for the greater good. If we don’t act, a time will come when there will be no water left to drink in this country.”
He further appealed to President Mahama to show stronger resolve, saying,
“He is a good man, but I’m asking him to harden his heart on this issue. The time for talking is over.”
Education Disrupted
The water shortage is also affecting education in the community. Collins Adu, a teacher at a local basic school, described the impact on learning:
“It’s disastrous. We’re forced to rely on the river for water, which isn’t safe. Students arrive late because they’re searching for water in the mornings. Sometimes, lessons don’t start until 9:00 AM.”
He added that the situation is deteriorating and called on authorities to act urgently.
A National Crisis
Illegal mining continues to threaten water sources across Ghana, despite government crackdowns and military operations. Kwanyako’s crisis is a stark reminder of how galamsey is not only an environmental issue but one with dire social and economic consequences.
