Residents of Kwanyako in Ghana’s Central Region say they are being forced to rely on the polluted Ayensu River for their daily water needs despite growing fears of a possible outbreak of waterborne diseases.
The river, which has served as the community’s primary source of water for generations, has become heavily contaminated by illegal mining activities, locally known as galamsey. The once-clear water is now discoloured and laden with sediment, raising concerns about its safety for drinking, cooking, bathing, and other household uses.
With no reliable alternative source of potable water, many residents say they have no choice but to continue using the river, even as some begin to experience health complications.
“It has already started. Some people are complaining about stomach problems and skin rashes,” one resident told Nyansapo News.
“Using this water is very dangerous for human consumption, but we have no other option.”
Residents say the pollution has worsened in recent months as illegal mining activities continue along sections of the river. They fear prolonged exposure to the contaminated water could lead to outbreaks of cholera, typhoid fever, diarrhoea, dysentery and other waterborne diseases, particularly among children and the elderly.
Beyond microbial contamination, environmental and health experts have repeatedly warned that illegal mining often introduces hazardous chemicals such as mercury and other heavy metals into rivers and streams. Long-term exposure to these pollutants can damage the kidneys, liver, and nervous system and pose serious risks to pregnant women and children.
Community members say local health authorities are aware of the situation and are monitoring developments, but no immediate intervention has been made to provide safe drinking water or halt the pollution.
The Ayensu River is an important water resource for several communities across the Central Region, supporting domestic use, farming and other livelihoods. However, illegal mining along its banks continues to threaten both the environment and public health, despite repeated government efforts to curb galamsey operations.
Residents are therefore calling on the government, Ghana Water Limited, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Minerals Commission to urgently intervene by providing clean drinking water, restoring the polluted river, and intensifying enforcement against illegal mining activities.
For the people of Kwanyako, the crisis goes beyond environmental degradation. It has become a matter of survival, as families are forced to choose between using unsafe water and having no water at all.
Story by: Sampson Kumah Ifeetwube Elvis
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