Ghana Water Limited shuts down treatment plant in Tarkwa over pollution from Galamsey

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has shut down its Bonsa Water Treatment Plant in Tarkwa due to severe pollution of the Bonsa River, caused by illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey.

The plant, which produces 75% of potable water for Tarkwa and surrounding communities, was forced to cease operations after efforts to treat the heavily polluted river proved futile.

In a memo dated January 2, 2025, District Manager of GWCL in Tarkwa, Wisdom Doe Akoto, announced the closure of the treatment facility.

He lamented that despite the company’s best efforts to purify the water, the pollution levels have made abstraction and treatment impossible.

“We are sorry to announce that Bonsa Headworks, which produces 75% of potable water for Tarkwa Township and its environs, has been shut down due to massive galamsey activities on River Bonsa, making it difficult to abstract for treatment,” the memo stated.

The company revealed that it has been closely monitoring the river’s water quality but noted that until acceptable parameters are reached, the plant will remain closed.

“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,” the statement noted.

GWCL assured residents that they would be kept updated on any developments regarding the situation, urging them to remain calm as the company works to resolve the crisis.