Chiefs must lead the fight against galamsey – GWCL MD

The Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited (GWCL), Mutawakilu Adam, has urged chiefs and traditional leaders to take the lead in the fight against illegal mining.

He warned that government efforts will not succeed without their full commitment and cooperation.

Speaking during a meeting between President John Dramani Mahama and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Mr. Adam said local chiefs wield strong influence over land and community activities, making them central to either enabling or curbing galamsey.

“When it comes to illegal mining, the chiefs and the communities are the first people that must stand up against it because it has a direct impact on us,” he said.

Mr. Adam stressed that illegal mining cannot thrive without the involvement or consent of local traditional authorities. “There is no illegal miner who goes to a community without going to greet the chief. In Ghana, the chiefs give the lands out,” he said. “The chiefs must support the government so that we will be able to fight illegal mining.”

He cautioned that the continued pollution of Ghana’s rivers and streams by galamsey operations is already putting enormous strain on water treatment systems and could push the country toward a major water crisis. “If we don’t fight illegal mining, it will get worse. We won’t have water to drink,” he warned.

Mr. Adam revealed that Ghana Water Limited has been compelled to increase its use of expensive treatment chemicals, including poly-electrolyte, while installing horizontal pumps in areas where conventional systems can no longer handle the heavy silt and turbidity caused by mining waste.

Despite these difficulties, he praised the government’s commitment—particularly through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources—but emphasized that lasting success depends on traditional leadership. “The president is determined to fight it, and that is why we are all here, so we know the direction we are taking,” he noted. “But we need the support of Ghanaians, especially the chiefs.”

He further disclosed that Ghana Water Limited is now collecting hourly turbidity data from key rivers and will soon share this information with the Lands Ministry to enhance monitoring and enforcement against illegal mining.