Dr. Clifford Braimah, former Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited, has drawn attention to the growing threat posed by everyday human activities to the country’s water sources, cautioning that poor environmental practices could push Ghana toward a potable water crisis.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, April 28, Dr. Braimah highlighted that while illegal mining (galamsey) remains a major contributor to water pollution, it is not the only source of contamination affecting water bodies.
He explained that indiscriminate disposal of waste by artisans such as mechanics and electricians is increasingly introducing harmful substances, including heavy metals, into the environment, which eventually find their way into water systems.
According to him, when rainfall occurs, these pollutants are washed into rivers and streams, gradually degrading water quality and threatening long-term water security.
Dr. Braimah stressed that without urgent interventions to improve waste management and protect water catchment areas, the cumulative impact of these activities could have serious national consequences.
He therefore called for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations and greater public awareness to address the broader sources of water pollution and safeguard Ghana’s water resources.
