The Central Region of Ghana is grappling with a severe water crisis, triggered by the shutdown of the Kwanyako Headworks, the primary water treatment plant for the region. The shutdown was necessitated by heavy silt pollution in the Ayensu River, the plant’s main water source, attributed to illegal mining activities upstream in the Eastern Region. This has left several districts, including Agona East, Agona West, Gomoa West, Gomoa East, and Gomoa Central, facing acute water shortages, impacting the daily lives of thousands of residents. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Central Regional Minister, Hon. Ekow Panyin Eduamoah Okyere, has initiated immediate action to mitigate the crisis.
The Regional Minister, during a tour to assess the condition of existing boreholes in Gomoa Central District, directed the District Chief Executive (DCE) to prioritize the rehabilitation of all abandoned and malfunctioning borehole water systems within the district. Considering the severity of the river pollution and the anticipated prolonged disruption of treated water supply from the Kwanyako Headworks, the Minister emphasized the critical role of boreholes as an alternative water source. He issued a one-week ultimatum for the completion of these repairs, underscoring the immediate need to restore water access to affected communities. This directive signals a short-term strategy focused on utilizing existing infrastructure to alleviate the immediate water scarcity while longer-term solutions are explored.
Recognizing the importance of collaborative efforts, the Regional Minister pledged to work closely with the District Assembly to ensure residents have consistent access to safe and reliable water. He reassured affected communities of the government’s commitment to resolving the water crisis and emphasized the urgency of the ongoing interventions. The Minister’s appeal for calm reflects the understanding of the challenges faced by residents and the need to maintain public order while remedial actions are underway. This collaborative approach between the regional and district levels of government aims to streamline resource allocation and expedite the rehabilitation process.
The Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, Hon. Kwame Asare Obeng, echoed the Regional Minister’s commitment and pledged his continued support in securing potable water for his constituents. He highlighted prior investments in borehole infrastructure within the constituency, particularly those implemented during the 2024 election period, which have already provided some communities with access to water. While acknowledging the current crisis, he reinforced his dedication to expanding access to potable water through boreholes, bridging the gap while the larger issue of the Kwanyako Headworks is addressed. This commitment emphasizes a multi-pronged approach, leveraging both existing infrastructure and new developments to ensure water security.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Gomoa Central, Hon. Hackman Kobina Aidoo, provided an update on the ongoing efforts, stating that the Assembly had already initiated repairs on some of the damaged boreholes, making them operational. He assured the public that funds from the District Assembly’s Common Fund have been earmarked to support further rehabilitation works, demonstrating a commitment to allocating the necessary resources to address the crisis effectively. The DCE’s proactive approach and the allocation of dedicated funds underscore the local government’s dedication to resolving the water shortage within its jurisdiction.
The DCE further explained that engineers are working diligently to expedite the repair of the remaining damaged boreholes, ensuring that all communities within the district have access to water as quickly as possible. He also appealed to residents to exercise responsible water usage and management practices, acknowledging the limited resources available during this critical period. This call for responsible water use emphasizes the importance of community participation in managing the available resources while longer-term solutions are being implemented. The combined efforts of the regional and district governments, along with community cooperation, are crucial to mitigating the impacts of this water crisis and ensuring the well-being of the affected population.
