Residents of Agona Swedru, Gomoa Central, and Agona East have been battling a severe water crisis for more than two weeks, leaving over 800,000 people dependent on polluted streams, wells, and boreholes for survival.
The situation has worsened in recent days, forcing food vendors to either abandon their businesses or cook with unhygienic water, raising serious public health concerns.
School children have also been affected, with many skipping classes to walk long distances in search of water.
Residents express frustration
Speaking to SikaTimes, frustrated residents blamed the Ghana Water Company at Agona Swedru and the Agona Kwanyaku Water Works for failing to communicate with the public about the crisis.
“As clients, we deserve information and updates, but the officers have kept silent while we suffer,” one resident complained.
When approached for clarification, local water company officials declined to speak, saying only their superiors in Cape Coast were authorised to comment.
The cause of the crisis was revealed
Investigations revealed that the pumping machines at Agona Kwanyaku Water Works had broken down due to illegal mining (galamsey) activities upstream of the Ayensu River.
Assembly Member for Agona Kwanyaku, Nana Ohene Frempong, confirmed the galamsey operations had severely polluted the river and urged government intervention.
“These illegal miners are destroying our water bodies. Government must act swiftly to stop them and save lives,” he appealed.
He further called on the Minister of Works and Housing to help procure new machines for the Kwanyaku Water Works to restore water supply to Agona East, Agona West, and Gomoa Central.
Health risks and urgent appeal
Food vendors have also raised fears of possible disease outbreaks. A local waakye seller, Madam Amina, appealed directly to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene urgently to prevent outbreaks of cholera and other communicable diseases.
The crisis continues to disrupt daily life in the affected districts, with residents demanding immediate action to restore a clean and safe water supply.
