The Central Regional Minister, Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, has conducted an emergency inspection of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) Headworks at Agona Kwanyako in the Agona East District, which was temporarily shut down due to dangerously high turbidity levels caused by upstream pollution largely linked to illegal mining (galamsey) activities.

Accompanied by municipal and district chief executives (MMDCEs) and GWCL officials, the minister assessed the severity of the water crisis and discussed both immediate interventions and long-term strategies to restore operations and ensure reliable access to potable water for affected communities.

He assured residents of the region of government’s firm commitment to working closely with GWCL and other key agencies to implement solutions that will mitigate the crisis.

“I commend GWCL and the MMDCEs for their swift and proactive response to this urgent matter,” he remarked.  

The minister further urged a collective effort in combating illegal mining, describing it as a major contributor to the water quality issues affecting the region.

“This is not a fight for the government alone,” he emphasised.

“We need the support of traditional leaders, local communities, civil society, and every Ghanaian to protect our water bodies from galamsey,” he urged.