A Ghanaian woman has raised awareness about the alarming cost difference between imported bottled water and locally produced water, linking it to the urgent need to combat illegal mining activities.

In a compelling video, she highlighted that a bottle of imported water sold at Marina Mall costs GHC13.50, while locally bottled water is priced at just GHC1.50.

"So next time you don't understand how infuriating this thing is, ask yourself if you can afford this for the rest of your life if your water is contaminated," she urged.

Her comments come amid growing concerns that Ghana could face a future where it must import water due to the devastating effects of illegal mining on water resources.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSG) echoed these concerns, warning during its 2024 annual general meeting that the country risks having to import water to support local pharmaceutical production if illegal mining is not urgently addressed. They cited the detrimental impact of illegal mining on water bodies, leading to a significant increase in the cost of water treatment for manufacturing.

According to PSG, the escalating expenses associated with treating water for the production of pharmaceutical products are directly linked to the environmental degradation caused by illegal mining activities.