Illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, is seriously affecting water treatment operations at the Daboase Water Treatment Plant in the Western Region.
The plant provides clean drinking water to communities in the Takoradi area.
Drone footage has shown illegal mining activities taking place along the River Pra, directly opposite the Intake Pumping Station at Daboase and downstream of the Bosomase Intake.
The mining activities are making it difficult for enough water to flow from the river into the treatment plant. They are also increasing the level of pollution in the raw water supplied to the facility.
As of Friday, August 14, 2026, the turbidity level of the raw water had reached 11,955 NTU. This is far above the permitted level of 500 NTU.
The extremely high turbidity is putting additional pressure on the treatment plant as workers try to produce safe drinking water for residents.
The plant is also facing problems with its pumping system. Only two of the four pumps at the Daboase Intake are currently working.
The combination of heavily polluted water and reduced pumping capacity is making it increasingly difficult for the plant to operate effectively.
The situation has raised concerns about the continued supply of clean drinking water to communities in the Takoradi area.
Residents could face serious water supply challenges if illegal mining activities along the River Pra continue and the pollution is not brought under control.
The development has once again highlighted the growing impact of galamsey on Ghana’s water bodies and the difficulty of treating heavily polluted water for public consumption.
