Ghana’s Clean Water Supply Under Threat – Fmr. Ghana Water Limited MD Cautions.

Former Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited, Clifford Braimah, has cautioned that Ghana could face a significant shortage of potable water if pollution of the country’s water bodies continues unchecked.

Speaking in an interview on the Citi Breakfast show today, Dr. Braimah raised alarm over increasing levels of heavy metals detected in major water sources, describing the situation as a serious threat to the nation’s long-term water security. While illegal mining commonly referred to as galamsey is frequently blamed for the degradation of rivers and streams, he stressed that the issue goes beyond mining alone.

According to him, a range of everyday human activities are also contributing significantly to water pollution, with potentially severe cumulative effects if left unaddressed. He pointed to poor waste disposal practices among artisans, including mechanics and electricians, as a major source of contamination.

Dr. Braimah explained that hazardous substances such as oils, chemicals, and heavy metals are often discarded in open spaces. During rainfall, these pollutants are washed into drains and eventually find their way into rivers and other water bodies, further compounding the problem.

He therefore called for urgent interventions to protect and restore water catchment areas, while urging authorities to intensify enforcement of environmental regulations. Strengthening monitoring systems and promoting responsible waste management practices, he noted, will be critical to safeguarding Ghana’s water supply for future generations.