In a recent statement, the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has declared its unwavering determination to shut down its plants in regions affected by illegal mining activities (galamsey), particularly when the turbidity levels of raw water exceed critical thresholds.The

Managing Director of GWCL, Clifford Braimah, raised serious concerns about the significant adverse effects of illegal mining on the company's operations. During a Public Accounts Committee hearing, he appealed for united efforts to combat this pressing issue.

The utility company defended its proposed 334% tariff increase, emphasizing that the primary goal is to encourage Ghanaians to take responsibility for deterring illegal mining within their communities.

Mr. Braimah stated, "If I had my way, Ghanaians will go and chase away all the galamsayers out of their areas because once the turbidity goes up, we shut the plant. And if you have no alternative access to water, you will take the situation seriously because we stay with the people who pollute the water. And if we [GWCL] shut down, you will not even know where to go to get the water."

He further added, "If you pollute the water and the cost of treatment goes up, why don't you pay for it because you are making money in one breath polluting the water?"

GWCL's firm stance on combating illegal mining underscores the gravity of the situation and the necessity for collaborative actions to protect the country's water resources.