The polluted river in Ghana was so thick and discoloured that an artist was able to use it as paint to depict the environmental devastation caused by illegal gold mining. Mercury is now being used to extract gold on a massive scale, degrading land and polluting rivers to the point that WaterAid has called it “ecocide”. The artist, known as Enil Art, visited the Pra River with a friend to raise awareness about the environmental catastrophe caused by illegal mining in Ghana. The country is known for its gold and cocoa exports, but the illegal mining has led to protests and calls for government action. The illegal mining has evolved with the involvement of Chinese businessmen, leading to more sophisticated operations that are destroying precious land and forests. The use of chemicals like mercury is polluting rivers and affecting the food chain, posing a serious threat to the environment and public health. The illegal mining has also impacted cocoa production and other crops, leading to concerns about water scarcity and the future of agriculture in Ghana. Despite government efforts to crack down on illegal mining, the industry continues to thrive due to high global gold prices and economic challenges in the country. The situation is dire, with local communities and activists calling for immediate action to end the destruction caused by illegal mining.
