Construction in sierras causes soil erosion and pollution.

Quarry site with polluted water.          Credit: Isaac Amoako Antwi.



 Author: Isaac Amoako Antwi.


According to a report by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in November 2016, an alarming number of licenses were issued for sand mining operations, leading to significant environmental degradation.

The EPA's 2016 report documented that authorities had issued 112 licenses for sand mining across an area of 937.73 acres. This activity resulted in the extraction of a staggering 13,889,460 cubic meters of sand. Additionally, the report highlighted the registration of 259 quarry companies with the EPA at the time, underscoring the extensive scale of these operations.

The environmental impact of these activities is becoming increasingly evident. Water bodies near mining and quarry sites are suffering from severe pollution, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of clean drinking water in Ghana. Experts warn that if the current trends continue, the nation may face a dire situation where importing drinking water becomes a necessity within the next decade.

Local communities are already experiencing the adverse effects of water pollution. Residents in mining and quarrying regions report a decline in water quality, with rivers and streams turning murky and unsafe for consumption. This situation poses a significant health risk, as access to clean water is essential for the well-being of the population. Click here for comprehensive details


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