The shallow, weed-filled, and muddy Ofa stream has become the only source of drinking water for residents of Kwesitwikrom in the Agona East District of the Central Region, following an acute water shortage in the area.
The crisis stems from the shutdown of the Kwanyako headworks by the Ghana Water Limited (GWL) after its intake pumps broke down due to heavy silting of the Ayensu River, caused by illegal mining activities.
Many residents now rely on the Ofa stream, with most drawing the water directly without boiling or treating it before use, raising serious public health concerns.
In an interview with Citi News, Ousman Adam, a resident, said, “This is our only source of water for drinking and cooking. It is having a toll on our health, but we have no option.”
Another resident, Kwame Kwenu, who had come to the stream to fetch water, said, “It is filled with frogs. Animals come to drink from this same stream, and we also come to fetch water from it because the taps are not flowing.”
Previously, a bag of locally produced sachet water sold at GHC 7.00, but now sells at GHC 10.00.
A former assemblyman for the area, Albert Quainoo, told Citi News that, “We even struggle to get a bag of sachet water to buy because there’s a shortage in supply. Demand has increased even at the skyrocketing prices.”
The livelihoods of residents have also been severely affected, particularly local food vendors.
Many are forced to trek several miles in search of water from unreliable boreholes, while others have no choice but to cook with water drawn from the unsafe Ofa stream.
Maureen Agyei Dansoaa, an official at the local health facility, expressed concern about a looming outbreak of infections if the situation persists.
We have advised community members not to drink the water raw. At the very least, they should boil it before use. This situation could trigger several diseases, and even after it is resolved, we may still face an outbreak, particularly cholera,” she told Citi News.
Chief of the community, Nana Kwesi Twi IV, expressed concern about the safety of his subjects, though he’s also personally affected.
I’m worried about my people, but I’m also heavily affected. It now costs me GHC25.00 to get a ‘Kufuor gallon’ full of water. The bikers charge GHC20 to fetch water from Asamoakrom, and that gallon full is sold at GHC 5.00,” he said.
Recognising that the crisis stems from pollution of the Ayensu River, which feeds the Kwanyako treatment plant, the Chief has made a passionate appeal to the government to clamp down on illegal mining.
The Central Region now hangs in the balance over a possible outbreak of water-related infections.
In late 2024, a cholera outbreak in the region claimed nearly 20 lives.
Source:Citi News