The Managing Director of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Adam Mutawakilu, has raised fresh concerns about the escalating impact of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, on Ghana’s water treatment infrastructure, warning that the situation could have far-reaching economic consequences.
Addressing a press briefing in Accra on Monday, 20th October 2025, Mr Mutawakilu described the growing siltation of water bodies as a national crisis that extends well beyond the operations of the water company.
“This challenge matters beyond GWL,” he said. “If siltation continues unchecked, costs will cascade across the economy.”
He explained that as water sources become heavily polluted and filled with silt, the cost of treating water rises sharply, a burden that eventually affects industries and households.
According to him, the impact will be felt across several sectors.
“Beverage and bottling firms will see slowdowns, higher input costs and stockouts. Food processing and fast-moving consumer goods companies will face disrupted production cycles and quality incidents,” he noted.
The hospitality and education sectors are also at risk.
“Hostels, restaurants and events will struggle with unreliable supply and expensive backups,” Mr Mutawakilu warned, adding that “schools and hospitals will be forced into water rationing, posing threats to hygiene and essential services.”
He further pointed out that manufacturers and real estate developers will face operational and financial pressures. “Manufacturers will face processing interruptions. Real estate and commercial centres will absorb rising costs for backup water and energy,” he stated.
Mr Mutawakilu cautioned that the situation could destabilise the wider economy if left unchecked. “Productivity falls and prices rise when a fundamental input like treated water becomes more expensive and less reliable,” he said.
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