Professor Anthony Ewusi
Professor Anthony Ewusi, a leading hydrogeologist at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), has issued a stark warning that Ghana may be facing a looming public health crisis as polluted rivers begin to contaminate the nation’s groundwater.
Delivering his inaugural lecture on Friday, September 11, 2025, on the topic “Protecting the Invisible, Hidden Treasure Beneath Our Feet” , Prof Ewusi revealed that unchecked illegal mining (galamsey) activities have left rivers such as the Ankobra and Bonsa heavily contaminated, with his analysis showing high levels of acidity, mercury, and acid mine drainage.
He cautioned that while the full effects may not be immediate, polluted surface water gradually seeps into underground aquifers, meaning future generations will inherit toxic drinking water.
Prof. Ewusi linked this environmental damage to rising cases of cancers, kidney diseases, reproductive health problems, and neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease in mining communities. “We are living in a dream world,” he said. “Our health system is already burdened, and without urgent intervention, the pollution of our water resources will worsen the crisis.”
To prevent long-term catastrophe, he called for aggressive groundwater monitoring, aquifer mapping, and stricter enforcement of environmental laws, stressing that Ghana has the technical expertise to act.
Watch the full lecture in the video below:
