The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has apologized to residents in Cape Coast, Elmina, and nearby areas for recent water supply issues.
In a statement on August 31, 2024, GWCL attributed the water disruptions to illegal mining activities, known locally as “galamsey,” which have heavily polluted the River Pra.
GWCL explained that illegal mining has caused about 60% of the river’s catchment to become silted, severely affecting water quality. The company is now dealing with a turbidity level of 14,000 NTU, far above the 2,000 NTU threshold for proper treatment.
As a result, the company is producing only 7,500 cubic meters of water per day—just a quarter of its capacity—leading to significant inconvenience for residents.
“We are producing only 7,500m³/day, and this has caused major disruptions for our customers. We deeply apologize for the inconvenience,” the statement read.
The GWCL is calling on everyone to help combat illegal mining and restore water quality in the River Pra. The company is urging all stakeholders to report illegal activities and support efforts to protect water resources.
GWCL assured customers that it is actively working to address the issue and is seeking alternative water sources to improve supply.