Galamseyers have sacrificed our only water source for gold – Retired Journalist

A retired media practitioner in Tarkwa, Western Region, Toni Nkrumah-Boateng, has raised alarm over the worsening water crisis in the town, revealing that its only water treatment plant has been non-operational for about a month due to illegal mining activities.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Mr. Nkrumah-Boateng described the situation as “quite dire,” noting that the destruction of the Bonsa River by illegal miners, popularly known as galamseyers, has made it impossible for the Ghana Water Company to treat and supply potable water.

“I live in a suburb called Akyepim, close to the Bonsa River Works, which supplies our water. For the past month, there hasn’t been any flow of water through our pipes, even though we are very close to the water works. So, just imagine those who live further away,” he said.

He explained that illegal miners have virtually taken over the Bonsa River, digging directly into it to extract gold and destroying the water source in the process.

“They simply do not have raw water to extract. Galamseyers have taken over the Bonsa River. They are digging deep into the river to extract gold under the water. They virtually have to destroy everything to get the gold they are looking for,” he lamented.

Mr. Nkrumah-Boateng warned that Tarkwa is sacrificing its only reliable water source for gold, emphasizing that residents’ health and livelihoods are now at serious risk.

“So, we are sacrificing our water source in Tarkwa because of gold activities, particularly galamsey activities on the Bonsa River,” he said.