Students Propose Radical Solution to Restore Polluted Bonsa River on World Water Day.

Once a pristine source of life for communities in Tarkwa and its environs, the river has become a symbol of environmental degradation, prompting a group of innovative students from the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) to propose a radical solution to restore it.  

The Bonsa River, which serves as the primary water source for the Tarkwa township and surrounding areas, has been rendered unusable due to rampant illegal mining activities upstream and along its banks. The pollution has forced the Ghana Water Company to shut down its treatment plant, which once produced an average of 750,000 gallons of water daily from an installed capacity of 1 million gallons. This closure has exacerbated water scarcity in Tarkwa Nsuaem, leaving communities struggling to access clean water.  

 A Legacy of Destruction

Ghana’s rivers and streams were once pristine, with individuals able to fetch and drink directly from them. However, the introduction of Changfang machines—used extensively in illegal mining—has led to widespread pollution and destruction of water bodies. The Bonsa River, once a lifeline for thousands, now runs brown with sediment and toxic chemicals, a stark reminder of the environmental cost of unregulated mining.  

 UMaT Students Rise to the Challenge

In response to this crisis, UMaT challenged students from the Environmental and Safety Engineering, Geological, and Railway Infrastructure Development departments to develop innovative solutions to restore the Bonsa River. After a rigorous competition, the Geological Department emerged victorious with a comprehensive proposal to rehabilitate the river.  

The winning team’s presentation outlined a multi-faceted approach, including the use of advanced filtration systems, bioremediation techniques, and community-led conservation efforts. Their proposal aims not only to clean the river but also to prevent future pollution by addressing the root causes of illegal mining.  

 Experts Weigh In

Dr. Asare Asante Annor, a key figure in the competition, emphasized the importance of water conservation and urged the public to take an active role in protecting water bodies. “Water is life, and its preservation is a collective responsibility,” he stated.  

Professor Anthony Ewusi, a senior lecturer at UMaT, used the occasion of World Water Day to highlight the growing pressure on Ghana’s water resources. He called on large-scale mining companies, particularly Gold Fields, to release water from their abandoned underground mines. “Treating water from these mines would be cost-effective and could help address the 30% water deficit in the Tarkwa area,” he explained.  

Industry Response

Abdel Razak Yakubu, Executive Secretary of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, praised UMaT for its proactive stance on water pollution. However, he expressed concern over the stark contrast between the clean water produced within large-scale mines and the polluted state of external water bodies. “It is disheartening to see the clean water we produce being pumped into polluted rivers,” Yakubu lamented. He called for stronger collaboration between stakeholders to address the issue.  

A Glimmer of Hope  

The efforts of UMaT students have inspired hope for a cleaner and more sustainable future. Their innovative solutions, combined with the expertise of faculty and the support of industry leaders, could pave the way for the restoration of the Bonsa River and other polluted water bodies across Ghana.  

As World Water Day draws to a close, the message from Tarkwa is clear: the fight to restore Ghana’s water bodies is far from over, but with collective action and innovative thinking, a brighter future is within reach.  

Source: Nana Esi Brew Monney

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