A two-day stakeholder forum in Tamale has raised alarm over the growing impact of illegal and unsustainable sand mining on the White Volta River, warning that the activity is increasing the cost of water treatment and threatening water security for the Greater Tamale Area.
The forum, organised by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) under the theme “Protecting the White Volta River for Water Security and Sustainable Livelihoods,” brought together government agencies, district assemblies, traditional authorities, sand miners, tipper truck operators and farmers to discuss practical solutions to safeguard the Nawuni water intake in the Kumbungu District.
According to Ghana Water Limited (GWL), illegal sand mining is causing severe sedimentation and rising turbidity levels in the river, making it increasingly expensive and difficult to produce treated water for residents.
Mr Sulemana Hassan, GWL’s Water Quality Officer for the Northern Region, said the destruction of vegetation around the river catchment had intensified soil erosion, resulting in high levels of suspended particles in the water.
He explained that the situation had led to frequent damage to water abstraction pumps, higher chemical and energy costs during treatment, and a reduction in the volume of water available for distribution.
“In highly turbid conditions, we can lose up to 25 per cent of the water abstracted during treatment, compared to between five and 10 per cent under normal conditions,” he said.
GWL identified the White Volta as its only source of raw water for supplying the Greater Tamale Area, making the protection of the river a critical priority.
CRS said a recent assessment conducted with key stakeholders found a steady decline in both the quality and quantity of water supplied to Tamale despite the city’s rapid population growth.
Dr Francis Gumah, Head of Operations at CRS, said the assessment traced the problem primarily to illegal sand mining around the Nawuni catchment, unsustainable farming practices along the riverbanks and widespread deforestation within the catchment area.
He said these findings informed the implementation of the Sustainable Sand Mining Project, which has focused on demarcating buffer zones along the river, restricting farming activities close to the water source, and introducing alternative livelihood opportunities for affected communities.
Although the project is still in its early stages, Dr Gumah said it had already generated valuable lessons that could strengthen future interventions aimed at securing safe drinking water for the Greater Tamale Area.
He pointed to the large number of trucks operating within the riverbed and the rising cost of water treatment as evidence of the seriousness of the challenge.
The forum also highlighted the need for stronger regulation rather than a complete ban on sand mining.
Savelugu Municipal Chief Executive Alhassan Fusieni said the Assembly had engaged miners, tipper truck operators, fishermen and other stakeholders through the Municipal Security Committee to promote sustainable mining practices and reduce conflicts.
He said the Assembly planned to review and strengthen its by-laws while intensifying public education to encourage compliance.
“We are not saying they should stop mining,” he stressed. “We are saying they should mine in a manner that is sustainable and does not destroy the White Volta River.”
Representatives of the Tipper Truck Association also expressed support for efforts to regulate the industry.
The Association’s Secretary, Abdullah Mohammed Sugri, said transport operators had been involved in discussions on proposed regulatory measures since February and supported by-laws that would protect the river while preserving livelihoods.
The Northern Regional Coordinating Council called for a coordinated approach involving regulatory agencies, local authorities and communities to ensure the sustainable management of the White Volta and secure the future water needs of the Greater Tamale Area.
