To dispel the claims, the Service organized a practical demonstration for the media in the Northern Region, showcasing the capacity and operation of its fire tenders.

During the exercise, firefighters transferred water from one tender to another, discharging a full 2,000-gallon tank—the largest in the region—in just 5 minutes and 24 seconds.

Speaking after the exercise, the Northern Regional Public Relations Officer of the GNFS, Assistant Divisional Officer II (ADOII) Hudu Baba, said it is untrue that fire tenders leave the station without water.

“Anytime water is flowing through the pipes, we fill our tanks for emergencies. So it’s never the case that a fire engine leaves the station empty,” he clarified.

He explained that the rapid rate at which water is discharged during firefighting can sometimes create the false impression that tenders arrive without water.

ADOII Baba assured the public of the Service’s dedication to effective emergency response and urged citizens to cooperate with firefighters to ensure efficient operations during fire incidents.

Source: AdomOnline

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In an interview with Citi FM, Mr. Nipke said the government’s vision is to establish a connected system that enables travellers to easily switch between air, rail, road, and inland water transport.

“Our vision is how we can integrate the four modes of transport to make travel easier or seamless for people. When you take the aviation sector, although people say it is expensive, it is the fastest, depending on where you want to go and what you want to do,” he said.

He further noted that beyond aviation, efforts are being made to strengthen other modes, especially rail and inland water transport, to complement the existing road network.

“We are looking at how to improve on the rest of the modes of transport, railway, and also the inland water transport services. That will integrate the transport system, so you can use one to a point and continue with the other options,” the minister explained.

He emphasized that the ultimate aim is to enhance mobility, cut down travel times, and improve accessibility nationwide by maximizing the advantages of each transport mode.

Source : Adomonline 

The farming community currently relies on nearby streams, shallow hand-dug wells, and just three boreholes, many of which dry up during the dry season or become contaminated during heavy rainfall. This has exposed residents to waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea, typhoid, and cholera.

Speaking to Adom News, residents described the daily struggle to secure clean water.

“We have children and elderly people here who constantly fall sick because of the water we are forced to drink. During festivals, the shortage becomes worse, and we are calling on the government to help us get more water,” they said.

Women and children often walk over five kilometres to fetch water from neighbouring villages, affecting school attendance and productivity.

Men added that the task of fetching water is “exhausting,” with wives sometimes queuing for hours for a single bucket of water, which is not always safe to drink.

The community is calling on government agencies, private sector organisations, and philanthropic individuals to provide a sustainable source of clean water.

They emphasised that access to potable water is a basic human right, not a privilege.

Chiefs and elders of Kojo Boni confirmed the challenges and noted that they have engaged the Assemblyman and other stakeholders. “What the community urgently needs is a mechanised borehole or a small water system to serve the residents,” they said.

Source: Odehyeba Owusu Job

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The disruption is to allow for emergency repairs on a main 36-inch pipeline from the Weija Treatment Plant.

Affected areas include Korle-Bu, Dansoman, Mamprobi, Chorkor, Malam, Gbawe, Ablekuma, Kwashiman, Awoshie, Sowutuom, Santa Maria, Tesano, Abeka, Kaneshie, Odorkor, Dakuman, and surrounding communities.

The maintenance work is scheduled between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., after which normal water supply is expected to resume.

Management has apologised for the inconvenience and urged residents to store sufficient water in advance.

Source: AdomOnline

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With each passing month, households are burdened with high water bills, yet many endure unreliable and unsafe water supplies.

A key concern among Ghanaians is the deteriorating state of the water infrastructure managed by the Ghana Water Company. Decades of neglect and inadequate maintenance have left pipes corroded and damaged, forcing residents to rely on water tanker suppliers for their daily needs. However, doubts persist regarding the safety and quality of the water provided by these tankers, posing serious health risks to consumers.

Compounding the issue is the responsibility placed on citizens to invest in electrical water pumps to maintain water pressure in their homes. This additional financial strain, coupled with inconsistent water availability, further exacerbates the challenges faced by communities across the country.

Amidst these challenges, questions arise about the effectiveness of routine maintenance practices and the chemicals used in water purification processes. Citizens demand transparency regarding the standards upheld by the state in filtering water for consumption. Additionally, there is a pressing need for accountability in the procurement of purification chemicals, as well as the engagement of reliable suppliers to ensure the delivery of safe drinking water to households.

Furthermore, the Galamsey crisis has added to the woes of water contamination in Ghana. Illegal mining activities have severely polluted water bodies, rendering them unfit for human consumption. Addressing this crisis requires urgent action to purify affected water bodies and restore them to safe levels for consumption.

The installation of Ghana Water Company meters in citizens’ homes raises further concerns, particularly in areas where water supply is irregular or insufficient. Many question the purpose of these meters and the justification for monthly charges in light of inadequate service provision.

As Ghanaians continue to grapple with the daily challenges of accessing clean and reliable water, they call upon the government to prioritize the restoration and maintenance of water infrastructure. Transparent accountability measures, effective maintenance practices, and investment in sustainable solutions are essential to ensuring equitable access to safe water for all citizens.

It is imperative for the government to heed the voices of its people and take urgent action to address Ghana’s water crisis. The health, well-being, and dignity of every Ghanaian depend on it.

By Nana Kweku Ofori Atta, Security Consultant

This planned and temporary shutdown of the dam will see water supply cut to some parts of the Greater Kumasi Metropolis for at least 8 hours.

In a statement issued by the water company on Monday, July 21, the GWL noted that operations will soon resume once power is restored to the dam.

The temporary outage is expected to affect several communities, including Kronum Cement, Heman, Amoaman, Nketia, Asuofua, CONSAR Quarry, Adankwame, Adugama, Naachia Quarry, Barekese Town, Abira, Offinso, Namong, Kayera, Tutuase, Nsuotam, Kyerekrom, Boamang, Tetrem, Habitat, Ahenkro, Kwamang, Kodie, Akrofrom, Aduman, Aduamoah, Denase, Pampatia, KCG Company, and surrounding areas.

GWL advised residents and institutions in the affected areas to store adequate water ahead of the shutdown and apologised for any inconvenience the temporary disruption may cause.

According to the prison, it has obtained accreditation and approval from the Food and Drugs Authority for mass production of the drinking water.

The water manufacturing plant, located in the Kumasi Central Prison barracks in Adum, is employing the services of the inmates and other personnel of the prison to produce the water under hygienic conditions.

The project is part of the broader efforts streamlined by the prisons to equip and hone the vocational skills of inmates for future job opportunities should they gain their freedom.

Deputy Director of the Prisons Services and the Ashanti Regional Commander of Prisons, James B. Mwinyelle says proceeds from the trade is used in expansion works of the facility to allow more inmates learn the skill.

“All the workshops we give the inmates is to train them and also generate income. This will help the inmates start a living once they exit the four walls of the prison,” he noted.

The prison is also currently cultivating a vegetable farmland in the region, where produce from the farm is fed to the prison’s kitchen to complement foodstuff for feeding.

At a durbar held in their honour to mark the organization’s 10th anniversary in Ghana, Nathan Levin was enstooled as Nene Pakporm Nyukpakpa Noryami Mantse, the Ada Islands Water and Health Development Chief, while Linda Donald was given the title Naana Pakporm Nyukpakpa Noryami Manye, the Ada Islands Water and Health Development Queen Mother.

The titles recognise their exceptional contributions towards improving access to clean water and advancing public health in underserved communities.

Reflecting on the milestone, Nathan Levin said, “We are truly grateful. It is a great pleasure, and this moment will remain in our hearts.”

Speaking at the durbar, Dr. Philip Narh, Medical Superintendent of Ada East District Hospital, commended the co-founders for their invaluable work. He noted that during the recent Akosombo Dam disaster—which caused severe flooding, displacement, and a cholera outbreak—communities equipped with Easy Water’s filtration systems, particularly Pediatokorpe, were largely spared from waterborne illnesses.

A Decade of Impact

Founded ten years ago, Easy Water for Everyone has been at the forefront of addressing water scarcity in remote and marginalized communities. Using innovative, sustainable, and electricity-free filtration systems, the organization has provided clean, safe drinking water to more than 30,000 people across over 40 communities in Ghana, Senegal, and Uganda.

Their mission to reach “last-mile” communities has resulted in improved health outcomes and reduced waterborne diseases in the areas served.

Harrison Matti, Country Director of Easy Water for Everyone, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to expanding operations in Ghana, calling for collaboration: “We are committed to scaling up our efforts across the country. We invite organizations passionate about providing clean water to deprived communities in Ghana to partner with us. Together, we can reach more people and create lasting impact.”

The Member of Parliament for Ada East, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah, also praised the co-founders, recalling her visit to the U.S., where she witnessed their dedication firsthand. “Nathan and Linda used their retirement savings to fund this mission. Their passion and selflessness continue to touch countless lives, and we are grateful,” she stated.

Beyond Water: A Holistic Approach

Beyond water provision, Easy Water for Everyone recently donated a two-bedroom house to Patricia Owula, a victim of the Akosombo Dam spillage in Kewuse, Ada. Additionally, 50 bags of cement were donated to Daniel Gidimajor to support reconstruction efforts. Both beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude for the life-changing support.

A Community Celebration

The durbar featured vibrant cultural and traditional performances by local students, reinforcing the bond between the organization and the communities it serves.

In interviews, community members shared emotional testimonies on how access to clean water transformed their lives, urging the continuation and expansion of the initiative to benefit more communities in need.

A Legacy of Service and Sustainability

Mary Owusu, Admin and Project Support Officer at Easy Water for Everyone, emphasized the organization’s commitment to sustainable growth and broader outreach. Their simple yet powerful water filtration technology continues to provide lasting solutions for clean water in rural and off-grid areas.

The arrests took place on Wednesday across multiple areas in Kumasi, including Danyame, Dakodwom, Kwadaso Estate, and Santasi Apire.

According to officials, the suspects were picked up after failing to settle surcharges totaling Gh₵31,803.97 issued over their illegal connections.

Out of the five, three have since made payments amounting to Gh₵11,515.00, while the remaining two are still in police custody and face further action if they do not comply with payment conditions.

GWL has raised alarm over the growing trend of illegal water tapping in the Ashanti Region, identifying it as a major contributor to Non-Revenue Water (NRW)—water that is produced but not accounted for due to theft, leaks, or other unauthorized use.

Acting Regional Chief Manager, Madam Innocentia Kuupiel, praised the support of law enforcement in carrying out the arrests and emphasized the need for continued partnership to deter such acts.

“Management’s dedication to fostering relationships with the police and the media will help to eradicate this menace,” she said.

She further encouraged people to join the water company to eradicate illegal water connections as they vow to provide good service.

“Ghana Water Limited is committed to meeting the demands of its customers and entreats that all and sundry should join the fight against Illegal Water Connections, as such acts deny the company the resources to enhance operations,” she added.

The utility company reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with law enforcement to root out illegal water connections and secure water supply systems across the Ashanti Region.

The lack of clean water has resulted in a surge in waterborne diseases, particularly typhoid, with women and children bearing the brunt of the crisis. School children often trek long distances before dawn in search of water, while women risk their safety fetching water from the bush where the stream is located.

A visit by Adom News Correspondent, Odehyeba Owusu Job, revealed the dire situation as residents, including children, fetched visibly contaminated water from the stream for cooking, bathing, and drinking.

“We suffer before getting water. We even share the water with livestock, and when farmers spray their crops, the rain washes the chemicals into the stream. We’re drinking poison,” a resident lamented.

Another resident added, “The boreholes are broken. Every morning around 3 am, women and children walk to the bush just to fetch water. It’s dangerous. How can we share water with animals? We need clean water to survive.”

Assemblyman for the area, Mr. Joseph Dakpo, expressed deep concern over the situation and reiterated calls on the government, NGOs, and philanthropists to intervene.

Meanwhile, the newly elected District Chief Executive (DCE) for Afadzato South, Hon. Manfred Tawiah, has described the situation as critical. Speaking to Adom News, he assured residents that he would collaborate with the appropriate agencies to ensure the community gets access to safe and sustainable water.

Residents are hoping swift action is taken to prevent further health complications and ease the burden on the already struggling community.

Management of the water distribution company, in a press release, indicated the planned shutdown is to make way for the installation of new interconnection pipelines and foot valves at the Suame roundabout.

The temporary shutdown, which is expected to last for three days, is part of efforts to improve water supply to the metropolis.

Customers of the water company in the entire Kumasi metropolis, Offinso and adjoining communities will have to seek alternative water sources for their daily chores during the period.

“These communities are therefore urged to bear with us during this period of shutdown,” the statement read.

Other essential service providers, including hospitals and schools in the affected areas, have also been advised to store adequate water for the period.

Acknowledging the inconvenience the exercise may cause, the GWL assured of working diligently to restore water supply to the affected communities within the estimated timeframe.

“This measure is in-line with GWL’s commitment to enhance the water supply capacity from the Barekese Water Treatment Plant to improve water service delivery, and address the supply challenges in the metropolis,” the statement read.

The statement concluded that “Management of GWL deeply regrets the inconvenience that the interruption will cause but pleads with consumers to bear with the situation since the project is meant at improving on the services to the public”.

The situation, worsened by the dry season, has left many worried about the potential outbreak of waterborne diseases.

With their wells dried up, the community fears a return to the days of rampant guinea worm infestations.

Speaking to Adom News, some frustrated residents, particularly women, appealed to the government and corporate organizations for urgent intervention.

Assembly Member for Gulumpe, Seidu Muazu, lamented the dire conditions, stating that over 12,000 residents are affected, with health centers overwhelmed by cases of typhoid, cholera, and malaria.

He called on the government and NGOs to provide a mechanized borehole to alleviate their plight.

“We have over 12,000 people in this area, yet our living conditions are bad. We are sharing water with livestock; our health centers are filled with all forms of illnesses like typhoid, cholera, and malaria. We urge the government and NGOs to help us get a mechanized borehole to help us in this community,” he said.

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For the past three days, residents in Atonsu, Tafo and other communities have had to seek alternative water sources, like underground water, for domestic chores.

Sources at the Ghana Water Limited in the region say there are no acute water shortages, but they attribute the situation to recent power fluctuations that have hit the region.

This, according to them, is negatively affecting water production and distribution to the metropolis.

Some water consumers in Tafo, a suburb of Kumasi, lament the situation is preventing school children from attending school early.

They explain the pupils have to queue for hours before they can get a bucket of water to take their early morning bath and tend to other domestic chores before leaving for school.

“Because of the situation, the kids are unable to go to school early. The government should do something about the power situation that is affecting the water flow,” one of the residents told the news team.

Another added: “I always have to beg some of the kids to fetch a bucket of water for me because where we fetch the water is far”.

In the past few weeks, the Ashanti region has experienced erratic power cuts, which the Electricity Company of Ghana in Ashanti explains is due to overheating of some cables and upgrade of distribution lines to increase power load.

The power and water situation has brought untoward discomfort for many residents in Ghana’s second largest city.

However, the water company says it is liaising with the power distribution company to facilitate possible improvement of power to their production systems.

According to a statement from the management, the disruption will last from Thursday, January 2, 2025, to Thursday, January 9, 2025.

This interruption is necessary to facilitate major maintenance works at the water treatment plant, aimed at improving water supply to the affected areas.

Residents have been advised to store sufficient water for use during and beyond the maintenance period.

The Management also apologized for the inconvenience caused and assured customers of their commitment to enhancing service delivery.

Read the statement below:

INTERRUPTION IN SUPPLY OF POTABLE WATER AT NSAWAM-ADOAGYIR MUNICIPALITY

THE MANAGEMENT OF GHANA WATER LIMITED (GWL), EASTERN REGION WISHES TO INFORM ITS VALUED CUSTOMERS IN THE NSAWAM – ADOAGYIRI MUNICIPALITY AND IT’S ENVIRONS THAT THERE WILL BE INTERRUPTION IN SUPPLY OF POTABLE WATER FROM THURSDAY 2ND JANUARY 2025 TO THURSDAY 9th January 2025. THIS IS TO ENABLE THE REGIONAL MANAGEMENT CARRY OUT A MAJOR MAINTENANCE WORKS AT THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT TO IMPROVE SUPPLY TO AFFECTED AREAS.

PLEASE KINDLY STORE ENOUGH WATER FOR USE DURING THE PERIOD AND BEYOND.

THE INCONVENIENCE TO BE CAUSED IS VERY MUCH REGRETTED.

By Management

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On Wednesday, the workers served an ultimatum to a private developer and stakeholders involved in the demolition of their property Ridge residential area in Kumasi to halt the exercise or they will be forced to cut water supply.

But Joy News checks have revealed the land was used as collateral for private developers tasked to construct bungalows for government agencies who were affected by the retainment of about four hundred acres of land by the Asantehene.

Vice Chair of the Senior Staff Association of Ghana Water Limited in Ashanti, Emmanuel Okpoti in an interview with JoyNews’ Emmanuel Bright Quaicoe said the temporary shutdown will affect every part of the region.

“We are shutting operations to the whole of Ashanti region. Until they heed to our demands, we are not resuming operations,” he said.

According to Mr. Okpoti, the said facilities in contention is located on a high elevation and holds some vital components for water distribution.

He explains the handing the space to be overtaken by the private developer could affect water distribution to parts of the metropolis.

“It means that they are just going to take away our facilities. How can we supply water when we don’t have the opportunity to expand. Because high elevations are important for water supply. They provide avenues to water flow. So that we can use that one to augment our flow within the region,” he said.

Water is essential for life.

The facilities are expected to benefit over 4,800 school children and residents in eight communities of the Ashanti region.

Eight schools have been selected to benefit from a 10-seater biodigester toilets with two getting an additional mechanized boreholes to support their Water and Sanitation Hygiene needs.

The beneficiary schools include Okyerekrom D/A School, Adamso Primary/JHS, Buoho JHS, Kokotenten Primary/JHS, Akrofuom R/C School, Afrancho D/A School, Betenase Primary School and Penteng JHS.

The project estimated at 57,000 dollars is being funded by the Rotary Foundation, Rotary International Districts, Rotary/Rotaract/Interact Clubs across six countries.

In a sod-cutting ceremony held at Okyerekrom, community leaders, chiefs, students and the members of the Akrofuom district joined to celebrate these feet.

Water and Sanitation is notable among the seven areas of focus where Rotary engages with its communities globally.

Already, water bodies in the Obuasi enclave are heavily polluted due to illegal mining activities on rivers in the mining town.

Foundation chair of Rotaract club of Obuasi, Godfred Acheampong, explains the objective of the project.

“This is to support Schools in Ghana with water and sanitation facilities, train community members on hygiene, empower school girls on menstrual hygiene and the supply of sanitary towels to vulnerable girls,” he said.

Visiting rotarians from the United States, Walter Hughes Jr and Mark Holland shared the importance of the project to the entire Rotaract world.

“This first global grant being led by Rotaractors in District 9104, Ghana will pave way for the young leaders to extend support to their joining communities,” they said.

Rotaractor, Godfred Acheampong challenged the students to dream beyond their limits along their academic journey.

He also touched on mentorship programs Rotary will be unveiling within the schools.

President of Obuasi Rotaract, Samuel Nuoma also elaborated on the need for support for collaboration to improve the health conditions of our schools through water and sanitation interventions. “Water, as said, Is Life”.

District Chief Executive for Akrofuom, Maurice Jonas Woode, also charged the community to enforce measures that would sustain the interventions.

The Chief and regeant of Okyerekrom, Nana Agyei Amoako Ogyampa II further appreciated the good deeds of Rotary through the outreach of Rotaractors within his community and the entire nation.

The theme for the 2024/2025 Rotary year is “Magic of Rotary”.

The Odaso treatment plant, the main source of water to the mining communities, is now heavily polluted beyond its permissible limits with about 60% of the water treated from the plant going to waste.

Illegal mining activities along river bodies continue unabated in the Ashanti region, damaging water sources intended for domestic and agricultural use.

The Odaso treatment plant serves residents in Obuasi and its surrounding communities, but the plant faces an imminent shutdown.

The Oda River running through the plant is now polluted beyond its initial turbidity level.

Chief Manager Ashanti Production region of the Ghana Water Limited, Dr. Hanson Akutteh says the Ghana Water is contemplating a shutdown of the plant over increasing operational cost.

“The Odaso treatment plant was designed to produce about 4 million capacities of water. For every treatment plant, we are supposed to operate 24 hours within a week continuously. But we can’t run this process at Odaso because of galamsey. So, we do what we call the batch system,” he said.

He continued that: “We are unable to treat majority of the 1.5 million gallons of water that run through the plant. The volume has reduced such that we are unable to meet the demands of Obuasi. Where it is possible we may have to transport water from Kumasi to Obuasi”.

A similar situation is encountered by the water treatment plant in Konongo as illegal mining activities threaten the only water source in the area.

“Currently, we are just extracting about one million gallons a day for Konongo. But we are only able to produce 780,000 gallons per day. We are just using 22% of the design capacity of the plant for which we must meet the demands of the people of Konongo. There is an infestation of illegal mining activities along the Owere river in the area,” he said.

The cost of treating the polluted water is impacting heavily on the operational cost of the water company, threatened sustainable production.

“In the past we were using just about 0.1 pesewas to treat a cubic metre of water but not we are doing about GHS 6.74, almost about 98% increment. We were able to import a generic spectrum coagulant which is very expensive. And this is the last resort to treating water because the cost itself makes it not advisable to use it for treating water in developing countries such as ours,” Dr. Akutteh said.

The Chief Manager of Public Relations and Communications at GWL, Stanley Martey in an interview, discussed the company’s strategic measures to ensure a consistent and reliable water supply nationwide.

He revealed that, GWL plans to expand its operations to reach every corner of Ghana.

Mr. Martey emphasized that this initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

He noted that, GWL currently provides water coverage to 80% of the country.

“We have a development plan to achieve 100 percent water access by 2030. This goal aligns with the UN’s SDG targets, our government’s vision, and our company’s objectives. We are fully committed to making it happen.

“In 2020, we initiated the construction of several treatment plants, all aimed at meeting the 2030 targets. Currently, coverage stands at around 80 percent, and with our development plan in place, we are confident that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, we will reach the 100 percent target by 2030,” he told Citi News.

Source: Adomonline

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He provided water tankers to supply potable water to affected residents.

The initiative saw beneficiaries eagerly rushing out with buckets, basins, and barrels to collect the much-needed water.

This gesture is part of Mr. Dumelo’s broader efforts to connect with and support the grassroots community as he prepares for the upcoming general elections on December 7.

The distribution was met with widespread appreciation, as many households have been struggling to secure clean water amid the drought conditions.

Mr. Dumelo’s timely intervention has been well-received, especially in a period where many residents have been struggling to access water.

By addressing the immediate needs of his constituents, he hopes to demonstrate his commitment to their welfare and enhance his appeal as a community-focused candidate.

Watch video below:

I had a call at 4:30 am from Okponglo that they had no water and they needed my help… I responded. #idey4u #thenextMp pic.twitter.com/tnNnnsE9ke

— Farmer John (@johndumelo) August 27, 2024

This commitment was highlighted during the commissioning of a small-town water system in New Obrayeko, in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region.

Speaking at the commissioning, the General Manager of AGCL, Stephen Asante Yamoah, stressed the company’s conviction that water is not just a necessity but a right that should be guaranteed to every individual.

“At Asante Gold Chirano Limited, we believe that access to clean, potable water is not just a necessity but a fundamental human right,” he stated. 

He said AGCL’s initiatives in New Obrayeko go beyond the provision of water. The company’s collaborative approach with the community has led to the realization of various other projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life.

The fencing of the Obrayeko Basic School and an ongoing refurbishment of a 20-seater modern KVIP are just a few examples of how AGCL is investing in the future of the community.

Additionally, the company has started work on the New Obrayeko Basic School Park, which will provide a much-needed space for the youth and other community members to engage in healthy activities and strengthen community bonds.

Mr. Yamoah called on the community to continue working together with the company to achieve shared goals. “Our efforts at AGCL are driven by a deep sense of responsibility towards the communities that host us. Let us preserve the peace and the good relations through dialogue, consultation, and effective communication rather than resorting to issuing threats and serving notices of demonstration to seek responses to our requests,” he urged.

Nana Kwasi Nwunu II, Chief of Sefwi Akaaso is Chairman of the Community Consultative Committee – a body comprising local community leaders, government agencies, and other relevant stakeholders. He commended Asante Gold Chirano for its provision of water and other essential amenities to the catchment communities.

He also recognized the company’s efforts to uplift the living conditions of the people and urged AGCL to expedite action on other community requests. The Chairman also called on community members to rely on dialogue rather than threats of demonstrations when engaging with the company, emphasizing that cooperation and communication are key to achieving shared goals.

The Assembly member for the area, Frederick Agyei, said the new water system will directly improve the health and well-being of New Obrayeko’s residents by providing consistent and safe water access to every household.

For many in the community, this marks a significant improvement in their daily lives, adding that, “we no longer have to worry about water shortages or the quality of the water we use. This system has truly changed our lives for the better.”

According to Dr Jackson Adiyiah Nyantakyi, the Ashanti Regional Director of the EPA, and a researcher “mercury has infiltrated large number of fishes in our water bodies”, adding that the situation  remains a serious public health hazard.

He called on everybody to support the government to curb the illegal mining practices before the unexpected happen.

Besides environmental implications, Dr Nyantakyi, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, said mercury remained a poisonous chemical harmful to human health and existence.

He said the abnormal skin rashes, body discoloration, rough skin, and other body defects on babies could be traced to the signs of mercury absorption into the body system.

Dr Nyantakyi said research showed many water bodies had traces of mercury, which had contaminated or poisoned many fishes, and expressed the fear the situation would worsen if galamsey activities in the country were not brought under control.

“My fears are that many Ghanaians eat lot of kenkey and fishes and who might tell if the fish you are eating is contaminated and so it is imperative for everybody to contribute his or her quota towards fighting illegal mining in the country”, he explained.

In Ghana, Dr Nyantakyi said gold refiners either use Cyanidation (the use of cyanide) or Amalgamation (use of mercury), saying because the use of cyanide was illegal, the illegal miners mostly used mercury in large quantities to refine gold.

He said because their activities were illegal, the miners “use mercury anyhow and thereby pollute our environment and water bodies which is a serious public health concern that threatens human existence.”

He said the government alone could not shoulder the responsibility of fighting illegal mining, and called on everybody, especially those in mining communities, including assembly members, traditional authorities and youth groups and associations to remain watchful and help stem the menace.

Dr Nyantakyi said that as a poisonous chemical, mercury was easily absorbed into the human bloodstream through the skin, inhaled into the lungs and digestive system, absorbed by fishes, and micro-organisms and others.

He said the sources of mercury emission included volcanic activity, weathering of rocks, water body movement, forest fires, biological processes and intentional usage of the chemical.

“Mercury easily infiltrates water bodies, the sediment and fishes and that is why we must all contribute to the national fight against illegal mining”, Dr Nyantakyi stated.

The company says three of its stations, the Barekese and Owabi Water Treatment Plants and Achiase Booster Station, have in the last few weeks experienced power outages from the Electricity Company of Ghana.

The situation, it says, is adversely affecting water distribution to several parts of the Greater Kumasi Metropolis.

“The Barekese and Owabi WTPs as well as the Achiase Booster Station have been experiencing power outages in the last few weeks. This has made it difficult to produce and transmit potable water to our cherished customers and the public,” said a statement from the company.

The water company says its management has notified the ECG of the challenges, as it “counts on ECG to improve power supply to all GWL installations in the region to enable GWL to serve the metropolis with the constant flow of water. Management regrets the inconvenience the challenge may have caused”.

Many parts of the Greater Kumasi Metropolis, including Atonsu-Agogo, Bantama, Abrepo and other communities have had to struggle for water for their daily chores.

Residents in these areas are resorting to borehole and underground water sources with many trekking long distances for water.

Others are also purchasing water from privately-distributed water sources at higher costs.

“I haven’t been able to clean some of my utensils for days now. I have to use the water for other chores like cooking and washing,” a water consumer lamented.

Power supply to the region has been erratic in the past weeks.

But the Electricity Company has debunked claims of the return of ‘Dumsor’ as it works to restore what it describes as redundancies in power supply.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Water is advising the judicious use of water until the situation is resolved.

“Management of GWL assures the public that supply will resume immediately after power is restored by ECG,” the statement said.

“South Africa won today, but Nigeria will win on Wednesday where it matters most” one user wrote on X.

Tyla won for her song Water in the Best African Music Performance, over Davido, Ayra Starr and Burna Boy.

Nigerians have called on their national team, the Super Eagles, to avenge them.

They play South Africa in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) semi-finals in the Ivory Coast.

“No Nigerian won a Grammy, but a South African won. This is Nigerians being generous so that when we win them in AFCON, they will have something to banter with,” another user wrote on X.

This year saw the introduction of an award for the Best African Music Performance – a move widely welcomed on the continent, despite some criticism that it was long overdue.

Tyla was the first winner and was joyous as she accepted the award on Sunday night.

“This is crazy! I never thought I’d say I won a Grammy at 22 years old!” she exclaimed.

Nigerian Afrobeats giant Burna Boy was nominated in a total of four categories but did not walk away with a single golden gramophone.

However, his spellbinding performance at the award ceremony left the audience in awe.

Nigerian singer Billy O told the BBC he was disappointed Nigerian singers did not win the award, saying this showed a lack of real appreciation for Afrobeats and Afro RnB by the voters.

“Despite dominating in Africa, I think we are not really well appreciated when it comes to Grammys,” he said.

Despite the fierce rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa, three-time Grammy nominee Davido extended his congratulations to Tyla on X and told her to “keep soaring”.

South Africa was also represented by comedian Trevor Noah who was at the helm of the prestigious award ceremony, which he hosted for a fourth time.

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This comes on the back of a conclusion of regulatory process for the quarterly adjustment of tariff by the PURC. The quarterly tariff review mechanism aims to track and incorporate changes in key factors used in determining natural gas, electricity and water tariff.

A statement issued by the PURC on Tuesday August 22, 2023, noted that, “The Commission however approved a 4.22% increase across board in the average end-user electricity tariff for non-lifeline residential customers.”

 It added that, “For the average end-user for water, life-line customers will experience no increase or change in tariff. The Commission however approved a 1.18 % increase in tariff for all other water customer group”.

Below is the full statement:

The agreement aims to bring together the expertise and resources of both organizations to help address the critical lack of access to basic sanitation facilities in the Sub-Saharan region, which currently affects 1.69 billion people and costs an estimated 5.5 billion USD per year. The partnership aims to develop and implement sustainable solutions for drinking water, hygiene, and sanitation, with the goal of improving the lives of local communities and increasing agricultural yield.

Under the new agreement, WSA will act as the primary execution agent and project facilitator for water and sanitation projects in its member countries, while GTS will provide complementary expertise and act as a fundraising agent for the projects. The management team for each project will be made up of members from both organizations.

“We are excited to partner with Gulf Technology Systems on this important initiative,” said Dr. Hobah Rogoto, Executive Secretary of WSA. “Their expertise and resources will help us to expand the scope and level of technology applied in our water and sanitation projects and bring much-needed solutions to communities in need.”

“GTS is committed to supporting sustainable development projects that improve the lives of people and drive economic growth.”

Government at the height of the coronavirus pandemic provided free water between April and December 2020.

Some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and private water providers were paid GH¢22,819,862.42 to settle the cost of water for 2020 and 2021.

But the Auditor-General is raising questions about a GH¢37,609,791.71 bill provided as the cost of free water supplied by the NGOs and private water operators.

The said payment leaves a balance of ¢14,789,929.29 left to settle the suppliers.

This was revealed in the audit of Covid-19 transactions for the period March 2020 to June 2022.

The Auditor-General says its assessment of the situation revealed that “there were no actual water bills generated and submitted to the Agency by the NGOs and Private Individual Water providers to support their claims.”

According to the report, the entities involved arrived at the amount by using “the maximum pumping capacities of the machines and the estimated population of the communities involved.”

He does not find this as a feasible measuring modality for the water consumption within the said period and wants answers.

It recommended that the outstanding amount of ¢14 million be paid based on actual bills and not estimated bills.

In response, management justified the payments by explaining that some of the private water providers had water meters which they used to prepare their own water bills based on water consumption and that those bills were vetted by the District Assemblies and CWSA Regional Offices.

The Community Water and Sanitation Agency claimed that the non-payment of the balance will impede the Agency’s relationship with the suppliers, hence hurting future activities when their services and possibly litigation.

However, the A-G insists that “we did not see water bills submitted by the NGOs and other private
water service providers to the headquarters and therefore could not confirm the information provided by management.”

Tariffs for electricity and water are expected to go up by 27.15% and 21.55% respectively.

The PURC announced this in a statement copied to Adomonline.com on Monday August 15, 2022.

The PURC in the said release acknowledged the economic difficulties faced by consumers but said without these tariff increases, the utility providers may not meet their mandate. 

“In balancing interests of the service providers and consumers, the PURC acknowledged that the very economic variables that have occasioned the steep increases proposed by the service providers also affect the consumers.”

The Commission, however, admitted that some level of increases in utility tariffs were inevitable if the nation was to avoid another power crisis and its attendant effects including job losses. 

PURC, therefore, decided to increase the average end-user tariff for electricity by 27.15% and water by 21.55%, effectively September 1.

The Chairman of the Coalition of Stakeholders on Electricity Contracts and Arrangement (COSECA), Dr Steve Manteaw, who made the call at a press conference in Accra yesterday, said there were too many estimations in the determination of tariffs, which did not present fair and equitable tariffs, resulting in consumers paying higher sums.

The press conference was to express concern over recent proposals by the utility companies for upward adjustments of their tariffs, with Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) seeking a 148 per cent increment, while the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) sought 334 per cent.

Dr Manteaw, flanked by other members of the coalition, including the Vice-President of Imani Africa, Kofi Bentil, said: “It will be difficult for budgeting and planning for individual households when they are asked to pay huge increases, so the essence of the automatic tariff adjustment is to adjust in small incremental basis so that the effect is not painful.”

The quarterly adjustment, he noted, did not necessarily mean that there would be an increase at all costs because the tariffs were based on economic indicators, such as inflation, the generation mix, the price of crude oil and the exchange rate.

“During certain quarters, these parameters are stable and in those quarters, you will find that there may not be any increase.

“But not to do it at all will disturb the stabilisation of the tariff, and that is why we are saying that it is essential that the PURC continues with the automatic adjustment formula,” he said.

Aside from the adjustment formula, Dr Manteaw said, the PURC should immediately pay all the distribution service charges (DSC) to the ECG and ensure that the Volta River Authority (VRA) was metered and also start the effective monitoring and evaluation of the performance of the utility companies.

Other people present at the press conference were the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of African Energy Consortium Limited, Kwame Jantuah; the General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Nana Yaa Jantuah, who is also a former Head of Public Affairs of the PURC; the CEO of the Consumer Protection Agency, Kofi Kapito, and the Executive Director of the Institute for Energy Research and Policies, Kwadwo N. Poku.

PURC to blame for high tariffs Laying the blame for high utility tariffs at the doorstep of the PURC, Dr Manteaw said thecommission was the main reason tariffs had piled up, resulting in the percentages being demanded by the utility companies.

He said the PURC had, over the past five years, failed to implement the pricing formula to review tariffs within a short period.

Dr Manteaw said the lack of monitoring and evaluation on the part of the PURC had also led to increases in technical and commercial losses of the utility companies.

A key reason the ECG and the GWCL would need such huge increases was the long-standing inefficiencies in the utility companies, political interference, poor outcomes of government’s macroeconomic management and its inability to curb illegal mining, which had increased the GWCL’s treatment costs.

In principle, COSECA was in support of upward tariff adjustments to ensure that the utility companies did not grind to a halt, he said.

However, from its analysis, if the PURC did its work properly, “we should not see more than 20 per cent in electricity tariff adjustment, and it will automatically also lead to a reduction of water tariffs, as electricity constitutes about 30 per cent of the cost of water

While calling for the immediate payment of all distribution service charges (DSC) to the ECG, Dr Manteawexplained that until March 2018, there was only one DSC, which went to the ECG and subsequently to the Power Distribution Service (PDS).

However, in March 2018, the PURC split the DSC into two.

“Our checks have since confirmed that the PURC has failed, refused or neglected to pay the DSC2 to the ECG since 2018. If the PURC gave DSC one and two to the ECG, which was the case until March 2018, the ECG would have the 31.42p/kwh of the 40p/ kwh it is requesting,” he said.

COSECA, he said, also wanted energy funds and schemes, such as the COVID-19 levy, the Energy Sector Levy Act (ESLA), government stabilisation payments to the ECG and auxiliary services charges to power generation companies to be audited to improve accountability.

He said Ghanaians must know, “for example, how much was made from the COVID-19 Levy and how much are we left to pay. Where is that money going to and who is making that decision?”

Dr Manteaw said the coalition would take serious legal action against the PURC if it continued to be derelict in its responsibilities to the consumer.

As part of recommendations for an effective sector, Dr Manteaw said the PURC should establish a programme with a clear timeline, on which all institutions in the energy chain would be properly metered to determine each unit’s cost of production and service delivery.

He also appealed to the government to stop interfering in the work of the utility companies, especially in areas of procurement, and rather demonstrate a genuine commitment to the fight against illegal mining, which depleted the water resource base of the country.

Dr Manteaw added that as a matter of urgency, the management of utility companies should take steps to reduce technical and commercial losses and pay close attention to theft and illegal connections.

She is said to be a student of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

In a video, the lady is seen sitting on a chair in the middle of the river for about 6 hours.

However, it emerged that, she sat in the river as part of an artistic project work by some post graduate students at KNUST.

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Some residents who witnessed the bizarre incident expressed shock at the conduct of the young lady.

The video was shared on Twitter by ‘Voice of KNUST’.

??ATTENTION STUDENTS ??

This girl sitting in the Bibini River KNUST for about 6 hours is not there to scare any student but it’s an artistic part of a project for some post graduate students ?❤ pic.twitter.com/8Ca5XsIWfR

— ????? ?? ????? (@VOICE_of_KNUST) April 28, 2022

Good Evening KNUST, here’s the girl who was sitting inside the River after the artwork.

She said it was the part she chose to do. Fear not ?❤ pic.twitter.com/BqsanJvuoN

— ????? ?? ????? (@VOICE_of_KNUST) April 28, 2022

This comes after their 10-second meme was bought for $1.046 million (372 Ethereum) in one of the historic Non-Fungible Token (NFT) auctions. According to the founder of the group, he is going to invest in philanthropy and he has already started with free water in his area.

Speaking on a Twitter Space discussion after the breakthrough sale, he said ” I am very happy … you know already from 2020 I started giving back to society, you know everywhere you find yourself, it’s the society that takes you there.

“So for me, I have I started in my small way, helping people in my end and very soon I will open a foundation for those disabled guys in the streets. I want to be a big philanthropist in Ghana but for now in my community, people come to my end to fetch water for free,” he said in the post below.

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3F Music, home to a number of recording studios worldwide based in the Middle East, bought the Coffin Dance meme at the said price as the highest bidder on Saturday, April 9th.

The pallbearers have announced that they will be donating 25% of their money from the auctioning to the Ukrainian Charitable Foundation to support Ukraine amidst its war against Russia ever since Putin’s invasion.

In a video seen by pulse.com.gh, Benjamin Aidoo, the leader of the pallbearer’s group said “we will like to announce that we would transfer 25 per cent of the funds from the sale of our memes at the NFT auction to the Ukrainian Charitable Foundation”.

In the video below, he added, come back alive to support Ukraine and its great people. However, the announcement has sparked outrage among some Ghanaians who have been asking why they aren’t donating that money to a foundation in Ghana.

Meanwhile, according to reports, the donation to the Ukrainian foundation was a condition attached to the auctioning. This was captured in an old tweet by the founder of the pallbearer’s group, Benjamin Aidoo.

In his tweet, he said “just over 3 hours left on the Coffin Dance #NFT auction at @foundation ! 50% of the proceeds go to charity in Ukraine”.

Mr. Usman, an electronic technician, based in Jekadafari, Gombe State, said his desire to invent the stove was to subsidize the cost of using kerosene and gas.

The gifted Gombe technician, in a documentary on Wonderland TV about his exploits monitored by PRNigeria said he has been inventing products since 70s and 80s.

“On 23rd January 1980, GASKIYA TA FI KWABO, a vernacular tabloid published by the defunct Nigerian Newspaper reported how I assembled a radio transmitter and operated a community radio station in Gombe metropolis. I have a copy here.

“Since the broadcast of my latest invention by Wonderland TV, I have received over 500 phone calls over the project.

“I wish relevant institutions and bodies can support towards patenting the project for mass production to at least help the without buying kerosene or gas to cook their food by using water.”

PRNigeria gathered that the WTV’s report on Mr. Usman attracted global attention from the US, Germany and other countries amid national recognitions from tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

It is yet to be confirmed if Gombe State University, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) have fulfilled their promises to support the inventor after the broadcast by WTV.

The call follows the incessant chaos residents cause in their quest to access potable water.

A visit by Adom News’ Odehyeba Owusu Job saw residents, especially females exchanging words, almost to the point of physical assault over a queue for water fetching.

Further checks revealed that that was the order of the day at Wiae. Residents join long queues for hours before being able to fill a single bucket.

Speaking in an interview with the Chief of Wiae, Nana Ayuriyi lll, he said a contribution of GHS 3,000 has been made to drill another borehole, but the fund is insufficient.

The chief said due to the water situation in the area, he has been receiving various complaints from couples for divorce, explaining that husbands complain wives do not have time for them at dawn, just to queue for water.

They are, therefore, calling on the government, through the Ministry of Water Resources and other benevolent organisations, to, as a matter of urgency, come to their aid to at least put another mechanised borehole for his community.

In an interaction with some women, they revealed the area has only one mechanised borehole which is powered by solar and operated around 1:00 am.

They said they risk their lives to walk through partially-lit routes to queue at the site.

They also called on the government and other benevolent organisations to come to their aid to at least put up another mechanised borehole.

Residents at Tinkong Apau in the Eastern region are forced to share their only source of water in the area with animals.

This is because all attempts to get the appropriate authorities to provide a potable source of water have proved futile despite numerous promises.

Chief of the area, Nana Wontumi Peprah IV, made the disclosure on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem segment ‘Beyi W’ano’ which discusses pertinent social issues in a quest to find solution.

According to him, their supposed reliable source is a stream on whose banks residents in neigbouring towns wash and bath which extends to their end for their use.

The situation, he explained, has left the Tinkong community with about 8,000 inhabitants battling skin diseases and cholera among others.

He noted his checks revealed the construction of a borehole will cost about GH¢ 12,000.00 but he has not been able to raise the money, hence appealed for the support of all.

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He added that another major challenge has been the high crime rate in the area due to the absence of a police station.

However, he sent shivers down the spine of listeners when he revealed the District Assembly, that has ‘turned deaf ears’ to their plea, has blocked his attempt to construct one himself.

“I have acquired land and is willing to construct a police station myself but the assembly has asked me to stop,” he said.

This ‘Free Water For All Ghanaians’ to start from October 1 to December 31, 2020, is to enable citizens to continue to observe the COVID-19 protocols.

This was contained in a statement signed by Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Depaah.

“The Ministry wishes to urge all landlords and tanker service providers to refrain from charging or selling water to consumers as government is paying for the water,” the statement said.

Below is the full statement:

According to him, one of the things he began tweeting about since the emergence of the Covid-19 illness was nothing than reducing prices of water and electricity and motivating frontline health workers.

Being honest, the aspiring Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon praised the NPP for absorbing three month’s bill of Ghanaians.

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One key thing, Mr Dumelo mentioned was that former President John Dramani Mahama should also be commended for “starting” the campaign.

One of the things I tweeted a lot about was light and water, and also allowances to the frontline workers. To be honest, Nana Addo has listened to some extent the plight of Ghanaians.

John Mahama was the first to talk about the tariff reduction and he should also be commended for adding his voice to the call.

Moments after President Nana Akufo-Addo announced the scrap of water bills for three months, the comedian saw it as an opportunity to make a video ‘wasting’ water.

In the video, Sheldon had put a mob bucket beneath a tap and filmed as the water overflows and goes waste.

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Miss Forson, reacting to the video, described the act as an expensive joke and a bad example for others to follow.

The comedian, who revealed he had been blocked years ago by the actress for no reason, fought back and asked Miss Forson to divert her energy to the gym.

The whole back and forth hit hard at the comedian who was left with no other option than to apologise for his comments and video after the Sanitation Minister expressed his disappointment at a press briefing.

A 62-year-old man who allegedly dipped the hands of a 6-year-old boy under his guardianship into boiling water is currently in the grips of the Amasaman Police.

The boy, whose fingers are rotting away, was living under the guardianship of his uncle who physically abused him by dipping his hands into hot water before locking him up in an uncompleted building.

Narrating the incident on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem Monday, Richard Frimpong, the Good Samaritan who rescued the child from his confinement explained that the boy’s claims he stole fish from a pot of soup he (the Uncle) had prepared.

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Richard, however, suspects that the boy’s decision to steal from the pot of soup could be due to hunger.

“When he found out about the boy’s conduct, he cut the branch of a tree, whipped the little boy’s fingers – on both hands – until they became sore,” Richard narrated.

“Upon realizing that the fingers had gotten swollen, he boiled water and forcefully dipped the boy’s fingers in it till the boiled water cooled off,” he said.

The 6-yr-old boy who has lost his mum currently lives under the guardianship of his uncle in Manhea in the Greater Accra Region.

The Amasaman Police Command has since commenced investigations into the incident.

The residents say they have had to resort to the only river in the community, ‘Gyakitimu’ for their domestic chores like cooking and washing and even for drinking purposes.

What is even worst is that there is no form of treatment given to the water drawn from the river prior to drinking.

In an interview with Adom News, the residents disclosed that they are battling various diseases due to the untreated and unsafe water they use.

“We are about 3,000 people in this town who rely on ‘Gyakitimu’ which usually gets dry and sometimes turns muddy, making it difficult for domestic use,” a resident said.

The Chief of Gyakiti, Nana Manfi Atuaben III who confirmed their daily struggle for portable water said the residents have had to travel several kilometres to get to the only river that serves the community.

“We have used this river for too long and believe me, it has outlived its lifespan and I will appeal to well-meaning Ghanaians and the government to help us with a safe source of water,” he said.

Below are photos that depict the Gyakiti situation:

Source: Adomonline.com

The Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC) on Friday said it has extended the announcement of new utility tariffs to next week.

This follows the extension of the take-over of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) by the Messrs Power Distribution Services Ghana Limited.

The PURC told the media on January 14 when the utility service providers presented their tariff proposals at a public hearing in respect of the 2019 Major Tariff Review for Electricity and Water in Accra that, the announcement for the utility tariffs would be done before the end of January and take effect on February 1.

However, Mr Ishmael Agyekumhene, the Chairman of the Technical Committee at the Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC) told the Ghana News Agency, in Accra, on Friday that, though the Commission had completed its consultations with the necessary stakeholders on the tariff review, the extension of the Concessioner’s take-over of the ECG prompted the postponement of the tariff announcement to next week.

He said after the announcement next week, the implementation of the new utility tariffs would take effect on March 1, 2019, because the utility service providers needed sufficient time to adjust their machines and data.

At the public hearing last month, representatives from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) and Enclave Power Company Limited (EPC) made various presentations to justify their proposed tariff adjustment in order to reflect their operational costs.

For instance, the ECG proposed 23 Ghana pesewas upward tariff adjustment per kilowatt hour (23p/KWh), GRIDCo 4.897 Ghana pesewas per kilowatt hour (4.897p/KWh), NEDCo 43 Ghana pesewas per kilowatt hour (43p/KWh) and EPC proposed 26 Ghana pesewas per kilowatt hour (26p/KWh) for the 2019 Utility Tariff Review.

However, the GWCL was silent on any upward utility tariff review.

Mr Agyekumhene at the forum assured the public that the Commission would strike a fair balance between utility service providers and utility consumers in determining new utility tariffs.

He said the Commission would ensure prudent cost in the tariff’s determination.

In a press statement, the Association said a bag of sachet water will now cost GH¢3.50p when bought from all trucks and water depots.

They explained that the increase is as a result of “high production cost and distribution.”

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In the statement, NASPAWAP added that “the price of a single sachet water remains at GH¢0.30p.”

They say complaints have been met with deaf ears from authorities in the District.

The residents, mostly cocoa farmers, have no access to potable water, a situation forcing the, about 850 people, to compete with animals for access to stagnated water.

The contaminated water mostly muddy is put to domestic use without proper treatment; a health problem waiting to happen.

Some womenfolk who had come to fetch the water for use have expressed their misgivings about the seeming silence over the issue despite making several complaints to authorities in the area about their plight.

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“We are really suffering and need government to come to our aid as quickly as possible,” the woman lamented.

Worse is the inaccessibility of routes to clinics located in other surrounding communities.

Mr Moses Koblavi another resident indicates that the sick are mostly carried across a river in order to access healthcare. In some cases, they don’t make it.

“Some women die on the way and pregnant women are mostly affected” he lamented

Similar sentiments were expressed by the residents who say the situation is worse for pregnant women in labour.

Mr Koblavi revealed that though a bridge was being constructed for the area, the project has stalled.

“The situation is also affecting education in Laboanu. There is no guaranteed safety for pupils who have to cross this water daily in order to access education” he said.

Many are worried that furthering their education may just be the worst of challenges as they may have to continue crossing in order to access schools in other communities, a situation which may be a disincentive to student s in the area.

The MCE for the area, John Thusun who visited the area promised that something urgent would be done about the situation.

Places worst affected include Adabraka, Asylum Down, Bubuashie and Dansoman. Field visits by the Daily Graphic indicated that some of the communities have not had water running through their taps for almost two weeks.

Residents of Adabraka, where water has not been available for about a month, have appealed to the management of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) to urgently address challenges with its pipelines that had led to an acute water shortage in the area.

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They contended that the situation was affecting their daily activities since they had to walk for long distances to fetch water for domestic and commercial activities.

Speaking to the Daily Graphic during a visit to the area, residents in the area, particularly those at Odawna and its environs, said the situation continued to affect hundreds of residents.

“As it stands now, we do not know when the problem will be rectified. We have only been told that the management of GWCL is working to address the challenge,” a resident, Mr Emmanuel Gyamfi, said.

Background

For the past three weeks, residents of Adabraka have been experiencing water shortage.

The situation has become very worrying, as both adults, particularly women, and schoolchildren spend time in search of water from neighbouring communities.

Some of the affected residents have resorted to water from wells and sachet water for domestic use.

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Meanwhile, the GWCL, in a statement issued last Tuesday, said it had begun an exercise to service all its valves that supplied water within the Adabraka enclave to identify the problem.

According to the company, the challenge had come about because unauthorised structures had been put on the GWCL pipelines and valves and that was causing blockage and consistent bursting of the lines, leading to low pressure and erratic flow in some areas.

As part of temporary measures to curtail the situation, the GWCL said it had deployed over 30 tankers to the community to serve consumers at vantage points to ameliorate the situation.

Residents plead

A ‘chop bar’ operator in Adabraka, said the water shortage had forced her to reduce the quantity of food she cooked daily.

“We do not have water so I cannot continue to cook in large quantities. Now I have asked some of my workers to hold on until the situation is resolved because I pay them daily,” she said.

Another victim, Mr Anthony Gyalabi, said he had personally visited the Accra office of the GWCL to find out what the problem was but he was only told measures were in place to address it.

“I only read in the papers that the problem has to do with blockage in their system. We only hope they fix it on time,” he added.

The situation is equally dire in Bubuashie and Dansoman where residents have to wake up at ungodly hours to join long queues to draw water.

At Dansoman Control, residents explained that their taps had been empty for more than a week and only had a little flow last Thursday night.

A resident, Mr Elijah Osafo Kwaakye, said although water flowed yesterday afternoon, the pressure was low.

At Mama’s Inn near the Dansoman Roundabout, a resident, Mr Daniel Quartey, also explained how residents had to join long queues as early as 3 a.m. to get water before the taps stop flowing.

“For over a week, we have not had the tap flowing until last Thursday. Even that came only at dawn and we had to get there early since it came with low pressure,” he noted.

At Bubuashie, the situation was not different as residents said they had been without water running through their taps for almost two weeks.
Abigail Opoku, a resident at the Olla Balm in the vicinity, said they had to join long queues to fetch water from places where water was sold.

When the team visited a water vendor, who pleaded anonymity, he said he also had to engage water tankers who brought him water to enable him sell to the residents.

He indicated that in spite of the situation, the prices per bucket had remained the same.

Ghana Water responds

The Head of Communications at the GWCL, Mr Stanley Martey, told the Daily Graphic that places other than Adabraka that were experiencing water shortage was due to a 24-hour maintenance work on the Weija treatment plant last Wednesday.

As of midday on Thursday, the plants had begun pumping water, thus residents in those areas currently had water flowing through their taps, although with slow pressure.

Mr Martey gave the assurance that all such areas would have uninterrupted water supply from today.

Touching on the Adabraka crisis, he said, the GWCL was collaborating with the municipal assemblies to demolish structures on water courses.

The circumstance under which the water was poured on the girl is unknown as the suspect is yet to be arrested.

The woman, Sarah Perntwah, was said to have refused the girl medical attention and locked her up in a room for almost a week.

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Assembly member for Domeabra electoral area, Ahmed Yusif, who was informed about the July 14-incident, was also refused access to the victim whose name the Police gave as Maa Adwoa.

He consequently on July 20 lodged a complaint with the Police.

According to the Police, some personnel were dispatched to the house of the victim but on reaching the place they were informed the girl had been sent to the St Dominic Hospital.

Her mother was however not at the hospital when the Police visited the place. According to the Police, the victim was found with “burns all over her body”.

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Photographs were taken of the victim as evidence.

The Police say they have now mounted a search for the mother of the girl who is the prime suspect in the case.

She is likely to be charged with negligently causing harm.

Tired of waiting, their chief is spearheading initiatives to build roads, schools, water and sanitation facilities to give them relief.

That is the story of residents of Deduako, a farming community in the Bosomtwe District of Ashanti Region.

The Chief of Deduako, Nana Agyei Panin  has single-handedly funded the tarring of the main road linking the town to the district capital, Kuntenase.

Other initiatives include a classroom block for the local basic school and water supply system at the cost of Gh 50, 000.

“I am putting up a school which is at the lintel level. We now have water. I don’t misuse the money I get from stool on cars. I think about my people’s welfare first,” Nana Agyei explained.

At the commissioning of the projects, Nana Agyei Panin promised to complete a 20-seater water-closet toilet facility for residents of about 1,000.

His people’s welfare at the heart of all his initiative.

Nana Agyei Panin encourages other communities to take up the challenge instead of relying solely on government for their needs.

“Nananom, I implore you to use resources attached to your stools to the benefit of the people. Those resources are not your personal property.

Don’t use them to buy expensive vehicles and build mansions for yourselves,” he said.

Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe and Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, is touched by Nana Agyei Panin’s exemplary leadership.

“He’s done many things like the road close to 2 miles.  He did it himself and that is something we need to commend him for,” he said.

He wants traditional leaders to be agents of development for their people.

“I think other traditional leaders especially in Bosomtwe should emulate the example of  Nana Deduakohene because when they do this, we are also able to do other things to support them.”