For the past five months, the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has been unable to supply adequate water to residents of Abuakwa South and Fanteakwa South districts due to severe pollution of the Birim River caused by illegal mining activities.
The river's water turbidity has skyrocketed to an alarming level of 64,000 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units), rendering the raw water untreatable.
The situation has severely affected the Kyebi and Bunso water treatment plants, which have struggled to operate effectively, leaving thousands of residents without access to potable water.
In response to the worsening crisis, the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has issued a stern directive to halt all illegal mining activities along the Birim River.
