The Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) and the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) have devised an initiative aimed at cleaning rivers polluted by illegal mining.
The initiative termed as “Operation Clean the Water Bodies” is a technological exercise that will help reduce turbidity and metal load of water from two rivers (Pra and Bromo rivers) which are located in the Western Region.
“Operation Clean the Water Bodies” was developed by UMaT and funded by MIIF which will also finance its implementation.
To achieve the desired results, inorganic surface-active agents and several organic additives, such as moringa, biowaste and high molecular weight surface-active agents were used in pilots on the Pra and Bromo rivers to reduce the turbidity and metal ion concentration in the water.
A report from the MIIF and UMaT indicated that the pilot phase of the initiative had already yielded remarkable outcomes in the rivers.
When piloted on the River Pra at Beposo in the Western Region, the technology helped to improve the turbidity from 3,000 NTU to just 0.5 NTU.
Also, the Total Suspended Solids (TSS) decreased from 450 mg/L to 25 mg/L, with lead contamination dropping from 0.51 mg/L to 0.01 mg/L, significantly below WHO standards.
In the same vein, the turbidity of River Bromo at Nkroful improved from 2,390 NTU to 13 NTU; TSS reduced from 13,400 parts per million (ppm) to less than 0.1 ppm, and apparent colour improved dramatically from 79,738 ppm to 253 ppm.
The Vice-Chancellor of UMaT and Deputy Chairman of the project steering team, Prof. Richard K. Amankwah, expressed his enthusiasm for the results.
“The use of eco-friendly solutions has delivered exceptional outcomes. This collaboration with MIIF marks a key engineering milestone in our mission to restore Ghana’s rivers and ensure their sustainability for future generations,” he stated.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MIIF, Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng, emphasised the project’s significance for the nation.
“Clean water is vital to Ghana’s health and prosperity. MIIF is proud to be part of this initiative, which aligns with the Fund’s commitment to environmental responsibility and long-term sustainable growth. The long-term success of this operation, however, hinges on a complete stop to illegal mining in our water bodies,” he added.
Prof. Boateng added that the initiative was not only about cleaning our water bodies but also about empowering communities to take ownership of their environmental stewardship, saying that, “together, we can build a future where our natural resources are preserved and cherished.”
“Success in this endeavour will require cooperation among all stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies and civil society. We must unite to reclaim our rivers and secure a healthier environment for generations to come,” the Chairman of MIIF added.
MIIF and UMaT pointed out that Operation Clean the Water Bodies marked a turning point in Ghana’s battle against galamsey pollution, providing a long-term and sustainable solution to one of the country’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng and Prof. Boateng in a statement said, “The long-term operational success of Operation Clean the Water, however, rests on a complete halt to illegal mining in Ghana’s water bodies.”
BY TIMES REPORTER
