Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, the Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA Ghana), has voiced strong concern over the ongoing illegal pollution, widespread environmental degradation affecting Ghana’s rivers, lakes, and coastal regions, and sound a warning to the water polluters.
Speaking on UTV, Prof. Klutse delivered a passionate call to action, emphasising the critical state of water pollution in Ghana.
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“All I need is five helicopters, a couple of guns, and just two weeks to eliminate all those polluting our waterbodies,” she declared, expressing her frustration with the relentless damage caused by illegal mining (galamsey), industrial dumping, and poor waste management practices.
Her bold statement underscores the urgent need for enhanced environmental protection and stronger enforcement measures. While some may view her words as metaphorical, they clearly highlight the EPA’s commitment to preserving Ghana’s clean water resources for future generations.
Water pollution in Ghana remains one of the country’s most severe environmental challenges. Contaminants such as mercury, heavy metals, plastics, and untreated sewage threaten both communities and ecosystems, posing long-term health and economic risks.
Under Prof. Klutse’s leadership, EPA Ghana continues to advocate for stricter environmental policies, tougher penalties for offenders, and increased public awareness. However, enforcement remains a significant hurdle.
Her remarks served as a rallying cry for greater government support, investment in surveillance technologies like drones and helicopters, and deeper collaboration between environmental agencies and security forces.
As illegal mining and environmental violations persist, Prof. Klutse’s comments signal a renewed urgency to safeguard Ghana’s vital water bodies and ensure sustainable environmental governance.
It has been reported that seventy six per cent of households in Ghana are at risk of drinking water that is contaminated with faecal matter.
Moreover, only four per cent of households treat water suitably before drinking and 93 per cent of households do not treat water at all.
About 60 per cent of Ghana’s water bodies are polluted, with many in critical condition. The polluted water bodies are mostly affected through illegal mining, industrial waste, household disposals and farming, were the major causes of water pollution in the country.
