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The Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has announced the indefinite shutdown of the Bonsa Headworks, which supplies 75% of potable water to the Tarkwa-Nsueam Municipality in the Western Region.
This decision, outlined in a statement dated January 2, 2025, signed by Wisdom Doe Akoto, Tarkwa District Manager of GWL, was attributed to the severe pollution of the Bonsa River caused by illegal mining activities, commonly known as “galamsey.”
“The impact of galamsey has rendered the river unsuitable for water extraction and treatment, making it impossible to continue operations,” the statement noted.
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The company highlighted that numerous efforts to curb the pollution and maintain water treatment had failed, leaving no option but to suspend operations at the facility.
“We have tried all that we could but to no avail, hence the shutdown. The river is still being monitored for acceptable parameters to enable us to restart production, and until then, the plant remains closed,” Akoto stated.
GWL called on stakeholders, including local authorities and security agencies, to take urgent and decisive action to combat galamsey activities and restore the river’s water quality.
The shutdown is expected to have a significant impact on water supply for residents and industries in the Tarkwa-Nsueam Municipality, underscoring the far-reaching consequences of illegal mining on essential resources.
GWL assured the public of ongoing monitoring and pledged to provide updates as the situation evolves. In the meantime, residents are urged to conserve water and explore alternative sources as authorities work to address the crisis.
This development highlights the urgent need for collaborative efforts to tackle illegal mining and safeguard critical water sources for Ghana’s communities.
