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Ishmael Mensah Blog of Friday, 3 January 2025
Source: Ishmael Mensah
The Bonsa Headworks, which provides 75% of the Western Region’s Tarkwa-Nsueam Municipality with drinkable water, is closing, according to a statement from Ghana Water Limited (GWL).
According to GWL, this decision was made because of the detrimental effects of illicit mining operations, often known as “galamsey,” on the Bonsa River, which make it hard to extract and purify water for distribution.
In a January 2, 2025, statement signed by GWL’s Tarkwa District Manager, Wisdom Doe Akoto, the business stated that it had no alternative but to halt operations at the facility because all attempts to reduce the pollution brought on by galamsey activities had failed.
Concerned about the ongoing contamination, GWL urged all parties involved—including local government and security organizations—to move swiftly to resolve the problem and improve the quality of the river.
“The shutdown was necessary because we tried everything we could, but to no effect. The plant stays closed until the river is monitored for suitable criteria that will allow us to resume production.
He declared, “We pledge to keep the public informed of any developments pertaining to the current situation.”
This shutdown is anticipated to have an impact on the municipality’s water supply for businesses and residents, underscoring the disastrous effects of illicit mining on vital resources.