Global Green Grant Fund supports potable water initiative with $3,500

Global Green Grant Fund of the United States has made available $3,500 in support of the provision of potable water for people in communities in the Ahafo project area of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited.     

The money was sent through the Global Media Foundation (GLOMEF), a human right media advocacy group.

Mr. Raphael Godlove Ahenu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Foundation, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that it sought the grant based on the lack of access to safe drinking water for the people.    

A research carried out jointly by the Water Research Institute and the University of Cape Coast shows that many of the water bodies in the mining area have been polluted by cyanide, high levels of manganese and other toxicants.    

The study was commissioned by the Wassa Communities Affected by Mining (WACAM) – an environmental and human rights NGO, whose focus is to help mining communities to assertively and effectively engage in dialogue with the mining companies.    

Mr. Ahenu underlined the need for the appropriate authorities to act on the research report.    

He asked that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Water Resource Commission and the Minerals Commission followed up on the findings to assess the extent of the negative impact of the mining activity, to guide policy direction.     

He said the Foundation would remain unwavering in its effort to put spotlight and deepen the conversation on pertinent issues affecting the socio-economic welfare of women and children.     

Global Green Grants Fund gives voice to people whose lives are most impacted by environmental harm and social injustice.

Source: GNA