The government has outlined a comprehensive plan to address the challenges of water pollution and illegal mining in Ghana. Speaking at a meeting with stakeholders.

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah emphasised the importance of protecting the country's water bodies and forest reserves, which are critical to the nation's ecosystem.

The Minister noted that Ghana's water systems are under threat due to the destruction of forest reserves and illegal mining activities.

He cited the example of the destruction of 5,500 hectares of pristine forest, equivalent to 7,500 football fields, which has had a direct impact on the country's major water systems.

To address this problem, the government has developed a five-pillar plan that includes:

- Education and stakeholder engagement to raise awareness about the importance of protecting water bodies

- Strengthening enforcement to prevent illegal mining activities

- Implementing a tree-for-life afforestation initiative to restore degraded lands

- Creating alternative livelihoods for communities affected by illegal mining

- Reforming the mining laws to ensure transparency and accountability

The Minister highlighted the progress made so far, including the completion of a small-scale mining exercise, which has resulted in the cancellation of 300 licenses.

He also noted that the government has created a new system for tracking excavators and other equipment used in mining, which will help to prevent their use in illegal activities.

The Minister emphasised that protecting Ghana's water bodies and forest reserves requires a collective effort.

He called on all stakeholders, including traditional leaders, community members, and mining companies, to work together to address this challenge.

He also emphasised the importance of technology in tracking and monitoring mining activities, and announced plans to occupy critical water bodies and enforce the law.

The government's plan to tackle water pollution and illegal mining is a critical step towards protecting Ghana's ecosystem and promoting sustainable development.

By working together, we can ensure that our water bodies and forest reserves are protected for future generations.