The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is appealing for $200,000 in immediate funding to demonstrate a new copper-based “nano liquid” technology designed to decontaminate Ghana’s polluted rivers, which have been devastated by illegal mining (galamsey).
The EPA Executive Director, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse said the pilot project is crucial to prove the viability of the technology under real-world conditions and to unlock the political will and major investment required for nationwide application.
Speaking on Joy News on Sunday, October 5, Prof. Klutse said, “To do pilots to show to Ghanaians and even the presidents that this is doable. We need 200,000 USD if I get it today, we will do the pilot for every Ghanaian to see that with the flowing river, this particular technology can be used.”
She emphasised that the crisis was solvable through science-backed interventions rather than relying solely on security operations.
According to her, the proposed dechemicalisation solution, which utilises a copper-based nano-liquid, has already been tested in EPA laboratories and has been successfully deployed internationally, including in Greece.
She stressed that the agency has also examined other advanced options, such as membrane-based purification, and plans to select the most cost-effective and efficient approach.
While a national clean-up will require billions of dollars, Prof. Klutse argued that the $200,000 pilot is a necessary first step to demonstrate proof of concept to the government, stakeholders, and the public.
“We have tried this, which has been tested in Greece. I have seen for myself. We have done the test in the lab for the EPA and advised the government on this; we have tested it, and it works, and it’s doable,” she stated.
“The EPA is pursuing a zero-arsenic strategy. We are looking at all options, but we must invest in what is effective and sustainable,” Prof. Klutse said.
The urgency of the intervention is underscored by data showing that up to 60% of Ghana’s major rivers are contaminated, forcing frequent shutdowns of water treatment plants.
Illegal mining has introduced hazardous levels of arsenic and mercury into water bodies, with health experts warning of heightened cancer risks and calling for galamsey to be declared a public health emergency.
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