Ghana’s fight against illegal mining has taken on a regional dimension, with the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, warning that pollution of transboundary rivers could create tensions between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
The Minister said the continued destruction and contamination of water bodies through illegal mining activities posed a serious concern, particularly because some of the affected rivers flow across international boundaries.
She identified the Tano and Bia rivers as examples of shared water resources whose pollution could have consequences for communities beyond Ghana, potentially exposing Côte d’Ivoire to the effects of environmentally destructive mining practices.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings cautioned that the situation should not be treated solely as an internal environmental problem, noting that the cross-border implications could affect diplomatic relations, regional stability and national security.
Her concerns highlight the wider consequences of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which has remained a major challenge in Ghana because of its impact on rivers, forests, agricultural lands and other natural resources.
The Minister called for stronger collaboration among state institutions and local stakeholders to address the problem, stressing the need for a coordinated national response.
She said government agencies, traditional authorities, security personnel and residents of mining-affected communities must work together to protect water bodies and prevent further environmental damage.
