The Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has announced the shut down of the Bonsa Headworks, which supplies 75% of potable water to the Tarkwa-Nsueam Municipality in the Western Region.
This decision, according to GWL, is due to the severe impact of illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as “galamsey,” on the Bonsa River, rendering it impossible to extract and treat water for distribution.
In a statement dated January 2, 2025, and signed by Wisdom Doe Akoto, the Tarkwa District Manager of GWL, the company noted that all efforts to curb the pollution caused by galamsey activities have proven unsuccessful, leaving no choice but to suspend operations at the facility.
GWL expressed concern over the persistent pollution and called on stakeholders, including local authorities and security agencies, to take decisive action to address the issue and restore the river’s quality.
“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.
“We promise to update the public on any development with regard to the current situation,” he said.
This closure is expected to affect water supply to residents and industries in the municipality, further highlighting the devastating impact of illegal mining on essential resources.
