President John Dramani Mahama has announced the commencement of feasibility studies aimed at decontaminating Ghana’s polluted rivers and water bodies, signalling a shift from crisis response to long-term environmental restoration.
Speaking at a media encounter on Wednesday, September 10, the President said the initiative represents a “new phase” in the battle against illegal mining, which has left rivers heavily contaminated with mercury and other toxic chemicals.
“The next phase will focus on de-chemicalisation and restoring water bodies to their pristine state,” President Mahama explained, noting that the studies will guide large-scale rehabilitation efforts nationwide.
Alongside the water recovery plan, the President disclosed that forest reserves remain under renewed threat. He revealed that the Jimirah Forest Reserve and the Anwia Effutu section of the Offinso shelter belt were re-invaded by illegal miners shortly after being handed back to the Forestry Commission. A joint military and Nimoz operation has since been launched to reclaim the lands and establish a permanent security presence.
To reinforce the protection of water resources, government has already deployed 980 specially trained “Blue Water Guards” to conduct daily patrols along major rivers in the Western and Savannah regions. Recruitment of an additional 1,020 personnel is expected by the end of the year, bringing the total to 2,000.
Environmentalists have long warned that Ghana risks losing vital water sources if urgent restoration efforts are not prioritised. The government’s plan, which combines de-chemicalisation, security reinforcement, and community-based vigilance, is being positioned as a holistic strategy to secure the country’s environmental future.
