You Can’t De-Chemicalise Ghana’s Rivers” — Dr. Anyimah-Ackah Challenges EPA Claim on Galamsey Cleanup

Environmental scientist Dr. Anyimah-Ackah has debunked claims by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that Ghana’s polluted rivers can be “de-chemicalised,” describing the statement as scientifically inaccurate and misleading.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsfile during a heated panel discussion on illegal mining (galamsey) and President Mahama’s recent engagement with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Dr. Anyimah-Ackah criticised the EPA leadership for, in his words, “not telling the government the scientific truth” about the extent of environmental damage caused by galamsey.

⚠️ “You Can Detoxify, But Not De-Chemicalise”

According to Dr. Anyimah-Ackah, while some water bodies can be detoxified or rehabilitated over long periods, it is impossible to ‘de-chemicalise’ water systems that have been heavily contaminated with mercury, cyanide, and other mining residues.

“There is no such thing as de-chemicalising water. You can treat and detoxify to reduce contamination, but you cannot reverse chemical integration in the river ecosystem. Once these substances bind with sediments and aquatic life, the damage is long-term,” he explained.

He noted that Ghana’s major rivers — including Pra, Offin, Ankobra, and Birim — are already at critical contamination levels, warning that any official suggesting they can simply be “de-chemicalised” is offering false hope to the public.

“We are not talking about soap in water; we’re dealing with heavy metals and hydrocarbons. These are persistent pollutants. You cannot de-chemicalise mercury or cyanide out of a river — it takes decades of remediation and reforestation,” he added.

🧩 Response to EPA’s Statement

Dr. Anyimah-Ackah’s comments followed remarks from an EPA official earlier this week who claimed the agency had initiated a plan to ‘de-chemicalise Ghana’s rivers’ as part of a post-galamsey rehabilitation program.

The statement, widely circulated after President Mahama’s meeting with CSOs, was intended to assure the public that efforts were underway to restore water bodies affected by illegal mining. However, scientists and policy analysts have since raised doubts about its feasibility.

“What the EPA should be doing is strengthening monitoring, enforcing environmental laws, and coordinating with local assemblies — not making scientifically impossible promises,” Dr. Anyimah-Ackah cautioned.

🌍 Scientific Reality of Water Contamination

Environmental experts confirm that chemical contamination in water bodies cannot be completely reversed once toxic metals bind to sediments. The only practical interventions are containment, natural filtration through wetlands, and long-term ecological restoration.

Dr. Anyimah-Ackah, who has conducted extensive research on Ghana’s freshwater ecosystems, emphasised that the country must invest in preventive measures rather than unrealistic cleanup operations.

“Once mercury or cyanide enters the water chain, it bio-accumulates — meaning fish, plants, and even humans absorb it. Detoxification is possible through natural restoration, but de-chemicalisation is not a real scientific process,” he said firmly.

🔍 Broader Context: Galamsey and Government Accountability

The discussion comes amid public frustration over the government’s perceived lack of urgency in addressing the galamsey crisis. Critics say the administration’s focus has shifted from environmental protection to gold mobilisation, echoing similar sentiments expressed by IMANI Africa’s Kofi Bentil earlier this week.

Many CSOs have urged the President to declare a national environmental emergency, arguing that rhetoric without enforcement will not save Ghana’s collapsing river systems.

Nsemgh.com Analysis:

Dr. Anyimah-Ackah’s comments have reignited debate over the government’s credibility in handling the galamsey menace. His scientific rebuttal challenges official narratives and underscores the grim reality — that some of Ghana’s once-vibrant rivers may never fully recover from chemical pollution unless drastic, science-based interventions begin immediately.