The Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) and the University of Mines and Technology (UMAT), have teamed up to revitalise Ghana’s polluted rivers through the “Operation Clean the Water Bodies.”

A statement issued by MIIF said the partnership aims to directly combat the destructive effects of illegal mining (galamsey) on Ghana’s vital water resources.

It reported that early pilot results have demonstrated impressive improvements in key river systems.

“The pilot phase of this initiative has already yielded remarkable outcomes in two heavily impacted rivers—River Pra and River Bromo—and signifies the start of a national campaign to reclaim contaminated water bodies,” noted MIIF.

The key results of the pilot are captured below:

River Pra (Beposo Section):

Turbidity reduced from 3,000 NTU to just 0.5 NTU.

Total Suspended Solids (TSS) decreased from 450 mg/L to 25 mg/L.

Lead contamination dropped from 0.51 mg/L to 0.01 mg/L, significantly below WHO standards.

River Bromo (Nkroful Section):

Turbidity decreased from 2,390 NTU to 13 NTU.

Total suspended solids reduced from 13,400 ppm to <0.1 ppm.

Apparent colour improved dramatically from 79,738 ppm to 253 ppm.

MIIF said these outcomes not only highlight the initiative’s success but also provide a framework for rolling out “Operation Clean the Water Bodies” nationwide, ensuring cleaner water for communities and ecosystems affected by galamsey.

Prof. Richard K. Amankwah, Vice Chancellor of UMaT and Deputy Chairman of the project steering team, expressed his enthusiasm about 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.”

Mr. Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng, CEO of MIIF, 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." 

Prof. Douglas Boateng, Chairman of MIIF and interim Chairman of “Operation Clean the Water Bodies,” highlighted the urgent need for collective action: “We created this problem, and only through collective effort can we fix it. The damage is vast, but with focused engineering initiatives, we can restore our rivers and prevent further harm.” He further added, “This initiative is not only about cleaning our water bodies but also about empowering communities to take ownership of their environmental stewardship. 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,” Professor concluded.

MIIF said the ‘Operation Clean the Water Bodies’ in partnership with UMAT, West Africa’s leading mining university, “marks a turning point in Ghana’s battle against galamsey pollution, providing a long-term, sustainable solution to one of the country’s most pressing environmental challenges.”

It, however, pointed out: “The long-term operational success of Operation Clean the Water, however, rests on a complete halt to illegal mining in Ghana’s water bodies.”