By Erica Apeatua Addo
Tarkwa (W/R), April 02, GNA - Mr Abdel-Razak Yakubu, who serves as the Executive Secretary of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF), has encouraged host communities to collaborate in safeguarding the water quality within their operational region.
He believed that through "this joint effort, they would create a path toward a more prosperous future, benefiting not only themselves but also those who have yet to be born."
Mr. Yakubu issued his request in Tarkwa during the observance of this year's World Water Day, an event hosted by the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Tarkwa alongside the Water Resources Commission.
World Water Day is celebrated annually on March 22, with the theme for 2025 being "Preserving Glaciers."
He stated that the water from the mines was safe to drink, dispelling the prevalent belief that mining activities polluted water supplies with dangerous substances.
He stressed that the mine maintained strict control over water quality internally; however, external elements influenced it after discharge.
As per Mr. Yakubu’s statement, "The water utilized at the Mine includes various chemicals and goes through a purification procedure monitored by governmental bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)."
The process includes sending the water through a device to eliminate contaminants and verify its safety prior to releasing it back into the environment.
"The mine water, once treated, becomes as transparent as the bottled water we consume, showing almost no discernible difference. It’s disappointing to observe the purified water being discharged into already severely contaminated aquatic environments," he expressed sadly.
Mr. Yakubu further stated that the firm will keep interacting with officials from both councils, community elders, and various interest groups to inform and equip residents about the significance of safeguarding water resources.
Professor Anthony Ewusi, who serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Geosciences at UMaT, mentioned that Prof. Jerry Samuel Yaw Kuma, Prof. William Kwame Buah, and Mr. Obosu undertook a study related to the disused Gold Fields underground mine.
He stated that the study revealed substantial water buildup within the disused subterranean mine, which occasionally spilled over into the adjacent streets during rainfall.
The research indicates that treating the mine water was economically feasible, and upon completion, this treated water could meet thirty percent of Tarkwa’s water requirements.
He indicated that the processed mine water wouldn’t entirely resolve Tarkwa’s water issues, but it would offer some respite, alleviating the strain on the nearby resources.
Professor Ewusi urged the firm to collaborate in utilizing the purified mine water to offset at least 30 percent of the water shortage.
Dr. Asare Asante-Annor, a senior lecturer at the Geological Department of UMaT, stressed the importance of conserving water resources, pointing out that treated water comes with significant costs and must be utilized judiciously.
He motivated individuals to pay attention to their water consumption when taking showers, cleaning vehicles, or participating in other tasks that required water.
Furthermore, Mr Asante-Annor urged communities residing close to rivers to adhere to environmental regulations, specifically concerning mining operations, and avoid discharging waste materials directly into the waterways.
GNA
JP/KOA