Professor Anthony Ewusi
Professor Anthony Ewusi of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) has cautioned that Ghana faces a hidden but severe water crisis, as pollution from illegal mining is gradually seeping into the nation’s underground water systems.
Delivering his inaugural lecture on September 11, 2025, on It was on the topic “Protecting the Invisible, Hidden Treasure Beneath Our Feet”, Prof Ewusi revealed that contaminants from heavily polluted rivers, such as the Bonsa and Ankobra, are infiltrating aquifers and will likely manifest in Ghana’s groundwater decades from now.
“Groundwater moves slowly, so the pollution we are causing today may not show immediately. But our children and grandchildren will suffer the consequences,” he warned.
His studies show that the Bonsa River has become highly acidic, with dangerous levels of mercury and evidence of acid mine drainage. He described the river as being “at the ICU,” stressing that once surface water is compromised, groundwater inevitably follows.
Prof. Ewusi linked this trend to rising cases of cancer, kidney disease, reproductive issues, and neurological conditions in mining communities.
He urged urgent action to protect surface water as the first line of defence, alongside aquifer mapping, groundwater monitoring, and stricter regulation of mining activities.
“We are living in a dream world,” he said. “If we do not act now, future generations will inherit poisoned water resources.”
