Ghana's Water Pollution: Identifying The Main Culprits

Ghana's environmental pollution is one of the worst in the world, according to Yale University's Environmental Performance Index (EPI) study. The country's water pollution is caused by a variety of factors, including industrial and domestic activities, such as the discharge of sewage and toxic substances into water systems, as well as agricultural practices like the use of fertilizers and pesticides. The booming 'galamsey' industry, or artisanal gold mining, has also been associated with the destruction of aquatic ecosystems and water pollution. Ghana's water pollution has severe health, ecological, and economic impacts, causing early deaths and inhibiting access to safe drinking water.

Plastic pollution

Ghana's environmental pollution is one of the worst of all the countries evaluated by Yale University's Environmental Performance Index (EPI) study. The country ranks 168 out of 180, with waste management and water resources being two of its biggest environmental polluting areas.

The lack of a proper waste management system and recycling infrastructure in Ghana results in plastic waste accumulating and polluting the environment. Only 9.5% to 14% of plastic waste is collected for recycling, while the rest is dumped in open spaces, community containers, or burned, leading to air pollution. The burning of plastics releases toxic gases and harmful toxins, causing significant air pollution and increasing health risks for nearby communities.

The impact of plastic pollution in Ghana extends beyond environmental degradation. Water contamination from plastics influences the income of the fishing industry and has broader ecological and social dimensions. Coastal cities like Accra and Cape Coast experience frequent flooding due to plastic waste blocking waterways and storm drains.

To address plastic pollution, Ghana has established the Ghana National Plastic Action Partnership, a multi-stakeholder platform that aims to reduce plastic pollution through cooperation and the development of national action plans. Research initiatives, such as the collaboration between SAMS and UCC, are also working to investigate the levels and impacts of plastic pollution on coastal ecosystems, communities, and marine life.

Unsafe drinking water

Ghana's environmental pollution is one of the worst of all the countries evaluated by Yale University's Environmental Performance Index (EPI) study. The country ranks 168 out of 180, with only 12 countries having a worse pollution rating. According to the EPI, Ghana's biggest environmental polluting areas are waste management and water resources.

The quality of naturally occurring surface waters and groundwater in Ghana was generally good until recently. However, water pollution now causes significant damage, equivalent to 3% of the country's GDP, due to inadequate water supply, poor sanitation, and the discharge of solid waste, industrial effluents, and toxic substances into water systems. The main sources of water pollution in Ghana include localized discharges of sewage from industrial and domestic activities, leaching of fertilizers and pesticides from agriculture, and illegal artisanal mining ('galamsey'). Galamsey, a Ghanaian term for simple tool gold mining, has been associated with the destruction of aquatic ecosystems.

The growing preference for sachet and bottled water over pipe-borne water, due to the perceived contamination of the latter, further compounds the issue of unsafe drinking water. According to UNICEF, 76% of Ghanaian households are at risk of drinking water contaminated with faecal matter, and only 4% of households treat their water suitably before consumption. This highlights a critical failure in the country's water resource governance system and the need for improved access to safe and affordable drinking water as a public service.

While various approaches are being implemented to ensure a safe and sustainable water supply, there is a lack of documentation on system sustainability and water quality. UNICEF actively supports the Government of Ghana in developing policies, strategies, and implementation models to facilitate the growth of the sector and ensure consistent access to safe drinking water for all citizens.

Industrial waste

Ghana's water pollution is caused by a combination of industrial waste, poor waste management, and insufficient infrastructure. The Water Resources Commission estimates that 60% of Ghana's water bodies are polluted, with only 18% of Ghanaians having access to water that is safely managed.

Industrial activities, such as smelting factories, contribute to water pollution through toxic runoff. This has a detrimental impact on soil health, with more than half of Ghana's soil containing lead levels that far exceed the EPA's recommended maximum. The improper disposal of industrial effluents and toxic substances further exacerbates water pollution in Ghana.

The country's burgeoning sachet and bottled water industry, which has emerged due to the perception of pipe-borne water being contaminated, also contributes to the problem. While the sachet water industry helps achieve SDG 6, it also presents a challenge in terms of plastic pollution. Ghana generates over 3,000 metric tons of plastic waste daily, with an estimated 86% being mismanaged, leading to widespread environmental pollution.

The destruction of aquatic ecosystems through artisanal gold mining, known locally as "galamsey," is another significant contributor to water pollution in Ghana. This practice has led to the pollution of almost all water resources located near mining areas.

To address these issues, UNICEF supports the Government of Ghana in developing and reviewing policies, strategies, and implementation models to ensure safe drinking water access. They also assist in capacity development for institutions to enhance water quality testing and treatment capabilities.

Sewage discharge

Ghana's water pollution is a pressing issue, with the Water Resources Commission estimating that 60% of the country's water bodies are polluted. This includes localized discharges of sewage from industrial and domestic activities, which is a major cause of freshwater pollution in the country.

The impact of sewage discharge on water quality in Ghana is far-reaching. It leads to the contamination of drinking water sources, posing risks to human health. According to UNICEF, 76% of Ghanaian households are at risk of drinking water contaminated with faecal matter, and only 4% of households treat water suitably before consumption. This has led to a reliance on alternative water sources, such as sachet water, which has become an indispensable part of Ghana's water landscape, especially in urban areas.

The situation is further exacerbated by the inadequate infrastructure and waste management practices in the country. Insufficient treatment and disposal facilities, as well as improper solid waste management, contribute to the runoff of toxins into water bodies. This includes industrial effluents, agricultural chemicals, and e-waste, which release toxic heavy metals and hazardous contaminants into the water.

To address the issue of sewage discharge and improve water quality in Ghana, there is a need for improved wastewater treatment infrastructure and stricter enforcement of regulations. The government, in collaboration with organizations like UNICEF, is working to develop strategies and policies to ensure safe drinking water access for all citizens. This includes improving access to safe drinking water sources, promoting proper waste management practices, and addressing the environmental impacts of industrial and agricultural activities.

Land pollution

Another major driver of land pollution in Ghana is the unregulated or illegal industry, coupled with improper solid waste management practices. The country generates over 30,000 metric tons of municipal solid waste daily, yet only 14% of it is collected for proper disposal. The remaining waste ends up in open dumps, community containers, or is indiscriminately dumped, burned, or buried. This mismanagement of waste not only contributes to land pollution but also plays a significant role in water pollution, as toxins leech through the soil into water sources.

Habitat loss is another critical aspect of land pollution in Ghana. As habitats are converted into agricultural or industrial land, the natural landscape is altered, leading to soil degradation and ecosystem disruption. This conversion of land for agricultural purposes also contributes to water pollution, as chemicals and nutrients from farmlands are transported into water systems during flooding or stormwater runoff. Poor land use planning, particularly in urban areas, exacerbates the problem, triggering flood disasters and providing pathways for contaminants to enter water sources.

The pollution of water systems in Ghana is further compounded by industrial and domestic activities, including the discharge of untreated sewage and the use of chemicals in fishing. These activities have led to the degradation of lagoons and rivers, with the Korle Lagoon in Accra being a notable example. Additionally, illegal artisanal mining ('galamsey') has been identified as a persistent menace, with almost all water resources located near mining areas suffering serious pollution.

The government of Ghana, under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has recognized the severity of the situation and has designated a special task force to combat water pollution and safeguard the country's water resources. However, the underlying drivers of water pollution and their impacts on human health require further comprehensive exploration and understanding.

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