An Associate Professor of Hydrogeology at the Department of Earth Science, University of Ghana and Executive Director at the Center for Geoscience Studies (CfGS), Prof. Yvonne Sena Akosua Loh, has issued an urgent call for Ghana to safeguard its groundwater resources by regulating borehole drilling activities across the country.
In her latest article Prof. Loh highlighted the often-overlooked threat of “Groundwater Galamsey”—the uncontrolled and unscientific drilling of boreholes without proper investigation or documentation. While the infamous “Galamsey” illegal mining has caused visible destruction to farmlands and rivers, groundwater exploitation often proceeds quietly, leaving long-term damage that can threaten public health, agriculture, and national water security.
The Hidden Threat Beneath Our Feet
“Groundwater is not an endless resource,” Prof. Loh emphasized. “It is controlled by geological factors like rock types, fractures, rainfall, and land use. Drilling without understanding these factors can lead to failed boreholes, contamination, and depletion of this vital resource.”
She explained that many private drilling companies operate as purely commercial ventures, often lacking the scientific knowledge necessary for sustainable groundwater development. Drilling rigs are sometimes used without hydrogeological assessments, water quality testing, or proper recording of borehole data—practices that are essential for understanding and managing groundwater systems.
Risks of Unregulated Drilling
Prof. Loh warned that poorly sited or constructed boreholes might initially seem successful but can cause long-term problems such as contamination from surface pollutants, seawater intrusion, or competition for groundwater among multiple users. She stressed that some contaminants—like nitrates, arsenic, or microbial pathogens—are invisible and may only be detected through proper testing, making it dangerous to assume all flowing water is safe.
Moreover, without detailed records, Ghana risks losing critical data needed for mapping aquifers, monitoring water levels, and planning for climate change impacts.
A Governance and Public Responsibility
While Ghana has institutions like the Water Resources Commission and the CSIR-Water Research Institute to regulate and study water resources, Prof. Loh pointed out that enforcement and compliance are key challenges. “Groundwater Galamsey is not just a drilling issue—it’s a governance problem,” she said.
She urged the public to ask vital questions before drilling, including whether proper assessments and permits were obtained, whether the borehole is properly constructed, and if water quality tests have been conducted. She emphasized that responsible drilling involves scientific planning, proper documentation, and ongoing monitoring.
A Call to Action
Prof. Loh’s message was clear: Ghana’s future water security depends on responsible management of groundwater. She called on government agencies to enforce regulations strictly, on drillers to uphold professional standards, and on communities to protect their water sources.
“Every borehole is more than just a private water source; it is a shared national resource,” she stated. “We must prevent a silent crisis of groundwater depletion and contamination by acting now—drill responsibly, test water quality, keep records, register boreholes, and educate the public.”
As Ghana’s population and industrial demands grow, protecting its groundwater will be crucial. If mismanaged, the country risks facing long-term shortages, health risks, and costly remediation efforts. The time to act is now, before the damage becomes irreversible.
