By Ghana News

Copyright ghanamma

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is urgently seeking $200,000 to launch a pilot project that could mark a breakthrough in Ghana’s fight against river pollution caused by illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

The agency plans to test a new copper-based “nano liquid” designed to clean up heavily contaminated rivers across the country.

Speaking to Accra-based Joy News on Sunday, October 5, 2025, EPA’s Executive Director, Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, revealed that this small-scale trial could change the course of Ghana’s environmental fight.

“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 said.

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Professor Klutse stressed that solving Ghana’s water pollution crisis will require science and innovation, not just law enforcement. She explained that the copper-based nano-liquid, already tested in the EPA’s own laboratories, has been used successfully in other countries, including Greece, to neutralise chemical pollutants.

She added that the agency has also explored other purification systems, such as membrane filtration, in order to find the most affordable and effective method for large-scale use.

While a full national cleanup could cost billions of dollars, she said the initial $200,000 pilot is a crucial first step to prove the concept works and to convince both government and the private sector to support a nationwide rollout.

“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 assured.

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