Acute Water Shortages

Illegal Mining Forces Shutdown of Kwanyako Headworks, 10 Districts Without Wate – Minister

September 17, 2025

Ten districts in the Central Region are reeling under a severe water shortage following the shutdown of the Kwanyako Headworks of Ghana Water Limited.

According to the Central Regional Minister, Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, the shutdown was triggered after intake pumps at the treatment plants broke down due to heavy silt accumulation in the river. The contamination, he said, is linked to illegal mining activities upstream in the Eastern Region.

Addressing journalists after a meeting with Parliament’s Local Government and Rural Development Committee, the Minister disclosed that the crisis is affecting Gomoa East, Gomoa Central, Gomoa West, Agona East, Agona West, Ekumfi, parts of Ekumfi, as well as sections of Kasoa and Awutubreku in the Greater Accra Region.

“It’s a major issue. If they were forced with a gun to their heads to provide us with water, you would not be sure of the content of that water,” Mr. Eduamoah warned.

To mitigate the situation, the Minister directed the affected district assemblies to reactivate abandoned boreholes and repair faulty ones. For instance, Gomoa Central alone had 16 boreholes that had been left unused when pipe-borne water was available.

He further indicated that water tankers are being deployed by the assemblies to supply communities, with charges to be kept reasonable, especially for households. However, institutions like hotels and commercial facilities may be required to pay.

Mr. Eduamoah assured residents that government is working with the assemblies and Members of Parliament in the affected areas to restore supply while long-term solutions are being pursued.