Ghana is facing a staggering bill of billions of dollars to restore vast stretches of degraded land and polluted water bodies resulting from years of illegal mining activities. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has described the situation as an emergency, calling on development partners to assist in funding the country's reclamation efforts.

According to Professor Nana Browne Klutse, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, a World Bank-funded project has facilitated the reclamation of some land on a pilot basis, but additional funding is needed to scale up these efforts. She emphasized the need for mining companies to contribute to a bond that would be utilized for land reclamation upon securing permits.

However, the challenge lies in the fact that many illegal miners have exploited vast areas and vanished without accountability, leaving behind large expanses of degraded land. The EPA lacks the financial resources to reclaim these lands, highlighting the need for urgent intervention and strategic funding.

The devastating impact of illegal mining is evident in southern Ghana, particularly in resource-rich regions such as the Upper Offin sub-basin. A study by the International Water Management Institute has found that these once-thriving areas, known for their dense forests and flourishing cocoa plantations, now suffer from severe land degradation, declining agricultural yields, and water pollution.

In 2024, the Centre for Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Services reported that over 670 square kilometres of land – an area comparable to the size of Singapore – had been destroyed by illegal mining activities. The water pollution caused by these activities poses significant threats to water quality, ecosystems, and human health.

The high water turbidity levels caused by illegal mining have resulted in frequent machinery breakdowns and escalated the cost of water treatment. Contaminated water sources have forced many communities to seek alternative water supplies, which are often unsafe or unaffordable. The health risks associated with illegal mining-related water pollution include kidney failure, birth defects, and cancer.

The EPA has announced plans to enhance monitoring and enforcement mechanisms with the enactment of the Environmental Protection Act 2025. The agency intends to establish district-level offices to improve oversight, educate the public, and enforce environmental regulations.

While the road to recovery will be long and challenging, the EPA remains committed to restoring Ghana's degraded environment. The government, environmental agencies, and international partners must work together to mitigate the damage and implement long-term solutions for sustainable land and water management. The EPA continues to appeal for urgent intervention, stressing that without immediate action, the country risks long-term environmental and economic consequences.

In conclusion, Ghana's struggle to reclaim lands devastated by illegal mining serves as a stark reminder of the need for sustainable practices and responsible resource management. As the country navigates this environmental crisis, it is essential for stakeholders to come together to find solutions that prioritize both the environment and the economy.