Why these towns in Central Region are at a threat of water shortages in the coming months

Some parts of Central Region, including Cape Coast, Elmina and some surrounding communities might experience water issues in the coming months due to the pollution of the Pra River, caused by galamsey activities.

According to the Ghana Water Limited (GWL), the inadequate raw water supply at the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant has led to a gap between water demand and supply for the communities. "The Management of Ghana Water Limited (Central Region) wishes to inform all its cherished Customers of water supply challenges within Cape Coast, Elmina and surrounding communities in recent times. "The recent Demand-Supply gap is as a result of inadequate raw water received at the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant (WTP) as a result of galamsey," parts of the statement read.

It further noted that the quality of raw water has been compromised due to about 60% of the catchment capacity being silted from illegal mining.

As a result, Ghana Water Limited is currently recording an average turbidity of 14,000 NTU, compared to 2000 NTU designed for adequate water treatment, the statement said.

It added that the pollution of the Pra River along its course and at the catchment area for abstraction has reduced water availability. "Pollution of the Pra River along its course and most especially at the catchment for abstraction has reduced water embarkment to the bearest minimum." This has led to erratic water supply and posed significant challenges for residents in the affected communities.

This development has sparked public outrage and a social media outcry among Ghanaians, who are calling for an immediate and effective approach to curbing the issue.

The current state of the Pra River, as seen on social media, shows that the water has turned a brownish color due to high sand concentration.

As part of their efforts to discover and mine gold, illegal miners use machinery called chanfan to dig the ground, which leads to the pollution of the water bodies.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Water Limited has urged Ghanaians and stakeholders to join the fight against galamsey and its activities affecting the Pra river.

Read the full statement below: MAG/AE