Kintampo Waterfalls colour change not due to illegal mining

Management of the Kintampo Waterfalls has moved to debunk and clarify claims that the recent colour change of the water is due to illegal mining popularly referred to as galamsey. The management of the tourist centre was pushed to react following a video circulating on social media that illegal mining has caused the change in colour of the water of the Kintampo Waterfalls.

According to the management of the facility, the colour change is due to recent heavy downpours in the region that caused the primary source of water for the fall, the river Pumpum to overflow its bank and was debris to the waterfall.

A statement by the management said, as a result, the “river has exceeded its normal banks, causing an overflow. This overflow carries with it a substantial amount of sediment and debris from upstream, leading to a temporary change in colour of water”.

Management added that “increased water flow can disturb the natural sediment on the riverbed, which can also affect the water’s appearance” and assured patrons of the facility of that the “facility remains in impeccable condition”.

Read the full statement from Kintampo Waterfalls management

Clarification Regarding Kintampo Waterfalls and Recent Natural Events

The attention of management of Kintampo Waterfalls (KWF) has been drawn to a video and images currently circulating on social media platforms, and we wish to provide clarity to our valued customers and tourists.

The Kintampo Waterfalls is a natural wonder, relying on the uninterrupted flow of water from the Pumpum River, other streams and springs within the community to maintain its unique beauty.

Over the past weeks, the region has experienced unusually heavy rainfall, resulting in a significant increase in water Inflow to the area.

As a result, the river has exceeded its normal banks, causing an overflow. This overflow carries with it a substantial amount of sediment and debris from upstream, leading to a temporary change in colour of water.

This phenomenon is not uncommon in natural systems and happens annually when heavy rainfall washes soil and sediment into the river, resulting in a brief change in water appearance. Additionally, increased water flow can disturb the natural sediment on the riverbed, which can also affect the water’s appearance.

This was the case when two tourists visited our facility on Thursday, October 5, 2023. We want to state emphatically that this has no connection whatsoever with Illegal mining activities.

We would like to reassure all prospective visitors and tourists that our facility remains in impeccable condition, and we are unwavering in our commitment to providing you with the exceptional experiences we have consistently promised.