IN a shocking display of environmental destruction, water from a heavily polluted river in Ghana was so contaminated that an artist used it as paint. This powerful act by Israel Derrick Apeti, known as Enil Art, highlights the devastation caused by illegal gold mining, or ‘galamsey,’ which has ravaged the country’s rivers and forests.
Mercury used by miners in gold extraction has left rivers so polluted that Apeti was able to paint using the discoloured water of the Pra River, located 200 km west of Accra. Speaking to the BBC, Apeti said, ‘I could actually paint with the water. It was so bad.’
Environmental ‘ecocide’ unfolding
Illegal mining in Ghana has grown into a large-scale operation, causing irreparable harm to the environment. Mercury and other harmful chemicals used in gold extraction pollute rivers like the Pra, which communities once relied on for clean water and fishing. WaterAid has described the devastation as ‘ecocide,’ with Ghana’s water bodies now being dangerously contaminated.
The illegal gold rush has primarily affected Ghana’s forested regions, known for both their gold deposits and cocoa farms. Farmers and residents are being forced to sell land or face intimidation from miners, often backed by local businessmen and foreign interests.
Turning pollution into art
Apeti and his friend Jay Sterling visited the Pra River to draw attention to the catastrophe caused by galamsey. Apeti’s decision to paint with the polluted river water was spontaneous: ‘On our way to the river, I just thought I could perhaps paint with the polluted water… So, we got there, I tried it, and it worked out.’
Locals told the artist that the once-clear river was so clean they could see fish and crocodiles swimming in it. However, it has now turned into a yellowish-brown, chemical-laden stream that’s undrinkable and unsafe for wildlife.
Growing public outcry
Illegal gold mining is sparking protests across Ghana. Recently, demonstrators in Accra took to the streets, demanding action to end the environmental destruction. Police detained many protesters, sparking the hashtags #stopgalamseynow and #freethecitizens, which have gained traction among young Ghanaians and the diaspora.
Musicians like Black Sherif and Stonebwoy have also joined the movement, using their platforms to raise awareness of the environmental and social impacts of galamsey.
A looming water crisis
The situation has become so dire that Ghana’s water utility has warned the country may need to import drinking water by 2030 if illegal mining continues unchecked. Agricultural consultants and environmental experts have voiced concerns about the long-term effects on land, water sources, and food security.
WaterAid and other environmental groups are urging the government to take immediate action to prevent further destruction and prosecute those responsible for the illegal mining activities.
Ghana, once dubbed the ‘Gold Coast,’ now faces a critical challenge: can it balance its economic dependence on gold exports with the urgent need to protect its natural environment? As the rivers darken and the land degrades, the answer is becoming increasingly urgent.
