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ABSTRACT
Despite active responses to galamsey by Ghanaian authorities, policy and practice have emphasised while paying less attention to whether water-related terminology is understood by the public. This study, therefore, explores how hydro-lexical items function across scientific, professional and everyday registers in English and in the Akan language. Using a qualitative textual and discourse analysis, we analyse a purposive sample of scientific reports, Akan radio and tv news scripts as well as documentaries. We trace how key hydro-lexical items are defined, framed and mobilised across registers, noting patterns in definition, metaphor and code choice that shape public interpretation of water risk. Findings reveal that hydro-lexical items are central to scientific communication, carrying both technical precision and cultural significance and when terminologies are poorly understood, risk comprehension and policies suffer. This study contributes to our understanding of the role of language in shaping perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours related to environmental issues and offers insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers working towards sustainable development in Ghana and beyond.
Keywords: Ghana, hydro-lexicon, environmental communications, galamsey, communication strategies, sustainable development