Eastern Regional Minister Pledges Support for Clean Water as Anti-Galamsey Efforts Intensify
The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Awatey, has reaffirmed the Regional Security Council’s commitment to protecting water bodies and ensuring the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) receives clean raw water for public consumption. As part of efforts to safeguard natural resources, the region has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” which poses a significant threat to water sources.
During a working visit to the GWCL’s regional office and several key water supply facilities, the minister stressed that preserving water bodies is crucial to maintaining access to clean and safe drinking water. She disclosed that a taskforce has been deployed to lead the anti-galamsey operations, which have already resulted in the seizure of over 10 excavators and several washing machines used by illegal miners. She warned that offenders would be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent.
“We are determined to keep our water clean so that GWCL will not face difficulties in sourcing clean water for treatment,” she stated. The minister emphasized that the taskforce would continue its work vigorously to restore and protect natural water sources from illegal mining activities.
As part of her visit, the minister toured several key GWCL facilities, including the Densuano old water works, the filter house that processes water from the Densu River, as well as spring water sites at Okume and Suhyen mountains. Her tour concluded at the Bukunor Plant, a major installation contributing to the region’s water supply.
Minister Awatey commended GWCL’s management and staff for their dedication to ensuring consistent water supply in the face of challenges. She urged the company to further improve water accessibility, reliability, and quality across the region. Additionally, she called for stronger collaboration between the GWCL and the Regional Coordinating Council to achieve sustainable water delivery goals.
Responding to the minister’s visit, Ing. Paul Akpanya, the Eastern Regional Chief Manager of the GWCL, expressed his gratitude for her support. He briefed her on the company’s operations and highlighted efforts to expand water production at the Nsawam Water Treatment Plant. He also mentioned initiatives to directly supply water to the new Somanya Government Hospital and its surrounding communities from the Akorley Booster Station.
The minister’s visit comes at a time when illegal mining continues to threaten Ghana’s water sources, and her assurances signal a strong governmental resolve to address the issue head-on while improving water delivery services.
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