The government has intensified efforts to secure safe drinking water for Ghanaians by investing GH¢8.4 million to rehabilitate three major water supply systems severely affected by environmental degradation, particularly pollution linked to illegal mining activities.
The intervention, funded through the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), will see the rehabilitation of the Bonsa, Daboase and Sekyere Heman Water Supply Systems in the Western and Central Regions under an agreement signed with Ghana Water Limited (GWL).
The investment forms part of the government’s broader strategy to safeguard the country’s water resources and ensure uninterrupted access to potable water, even as illegal mining continues to pollute several rivers and streams that serve as raw water sources for treatment and distribution.
Speaking at the signing ceremony on Tuesday, GoldBod Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, Esq., said the Board approved the project only after conducting an independent technical assessment to establish its necessity and expected impact.
He said the initiative demonstrates GoldBod’s commitment to promoting responsible mining, protecting the environment and improving the welfare of Ghanaians through strategic investments in critical infrastructure.
Mr. Gyamfi stressed that preserving water resources remains central to sustainable national development, adding that institutions must work together to address the environmental consequences of illegal mining while supporting communities affected by declining water quality.
Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited, Adam Mutawakilu, described the intervention as timely, saying it would restore water production capacity and significantly improve water supply to communities that have endured years of operational difficulties.
He noted that pollution of water bodies, coupled with other operational challenges, has affected the performance of some treatment plants, making the rehabilitation works critical to improving service delivery.
The project is expected to enhance the reliability of water supply in the beneficiary communities while strengthening the resilience of key water infrastructure against the growing impact of environmental degradation.
The latest investment underscores the government’s determination to expand access to clean and safe drinking water across the country despite increasing pressure on Ghana’s water resources from illegal mining and other human activities.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
