WACoN commends GoldBod’s GH¢8.4 million investment in water infrastructure rehabilitation

The West Africa Cooperatives Networks (WACoN) has commended Ghana GoldBod for its GH¢8.4 million partnership with Ghana Water Limited (GWL) to rehabilitate three major water supply systems in the Western and Central Regions.

The initiative will support the rehabilitation of the Bonsa, Daboase and Sekyere Heman Water Supply Systems, which have faced challenges due to ageing infrastructure and pressure on water resources in mining-affected communities.

In a statement signed by Agyarko M. Ebenezer, Principal Mining Consultant and Head of Technical Communications at WACoN, the organisation described the intervention as a significant step towards promoting responsible mining, environmental sustainability and improved living conditions for affected communities.

WACoN said the rehabilitation project is expected to restore reliable water production, reduce service interruptions, improve operational efficiency and ensure a more dependable supply of potable water to thousands of residents who rely on the facilities.

The organisation noted that upgrading critical components, including treatment and pumping equipment, would enhance the performance of Ghana Water Limited while reducing operational and maintenance costs associated with outdated systems.

“This timely intervention reflects GoldBod’s broader commitment to responsible mining, environmental sustainability, and improving the welfare of Ghanaians, particularly in communities where mining activities have placed significant pressure on water resources,” WACoN stated.

The group further urged authorities and stakeholders to extend similar investments to other mining-affected regions where water infrastructure has suffered deterioration due to increasing demand and environmental pressures.

According to WACoN, the GoldBod initiative should not be treated as a one-off intervention but rather as the beginning of a wider national programme aimed at modernising Ghana’s water infrastructure through sustainable financing mechanisms.

The organisation, however, stressed that investments in water infrastructure must be complemented by stronger measures to protect the country’s water bodies, particularly through sustained efforts to combat illegal mining and restore river buffer zones.

WACoN warned that without effective protection of raw water sources, increased pollution and turbidity levels could continue to raise water treatment costs, increase chemical usage and undermine the long-term benefits of infrastructure rehabilitation.

“While the rehabilitation of water supply systems is highly commendable, equal attention must be given to protecting Ghana’s water bodies,” the statement said.

WACoN praised the Ghana GoldBod, its Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, for what it described as visionary leadership and a strategic investment in critical public infrastructure.

The organisation said the project demonstrates how institutions within the extractive sector can contribute meaningfully to environmental protection, water security and national development.