How specialised bacteria can help solve effects of galamsey

Popular Ghanaian stand-up comedian, Derrick Kobina Bonney, aka DKB, has offered a solution to help deal with the longstanding effects of illegal mining (galamsey) on water bodies across the country.

Galamsey, a recurring problem in the country for decades, has seen various forests and water bodies polluted with silt and dangerous chemicals, including mercury, making the water unsafe for wildlife and for human consumption.

This disturbing phenomenon has left many concerned Ghanaians calling for urgent actions to be taken to mitigate the effects.

In a video shared on his X handle on June 4, 2025, DKB, speaking in an interview with Kantanka TV, outlined a plan based on bioremediation, a proven scientific method employing microorganisms like bacteria, algae, or fungi, to break down pollutants and consume dangerous metals and chemicals to help restore polluted water bodies after galamsey activities have been stopped.

In his own words, “There are bacteria that eat those metals. They consume mercury, they consume lead… the bacteria will clear all the lead and all the mercury.

“This bacteria can be manufactured in laboratories… distributed to contaminated rivers… they will clear all the lead and all the mercury, everything.”

Although acknowledging that there are already ways to make water safe for consumption, DKB said his suggestion would be safer, since it’s all natural.

“If you don’t use those bacteria, you can’t take out the dangerous chemicals from the water. The only time you can take it out is when you are filtering it for public consumption. We can use chemicals to extract it. But use nature for nature. So if you want to get rid of those metals in the water, just get a bacteria that consumes those metals,” he added.

Can it work?

Bioremediation has been successfully used to remove heavy metals, cyanide, and other hazardous chemicals from polluted soils and waterways.

This method offers a natural, cost-effective, and sustainable way to rehabilitate ecosystems degraded by illegal mining.

Watch the video below:

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