KEY POINTS
- Fixthecountry’s Adatsi Brownson dismissed Ghana Water Limited’s statement as political.
- Brownson questioned water quality improvements and treatment effectiveness.
- He issued a seven-day ultimatum to ban all mining activities.
The Central Regional management of Ghana Water Limited announced a significant improvement in the raw water source at the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant. They stated that the plant’s raw water quality had improved with a notable reduction in turbidity levels by 35.71%.
Ghana Water Limited claims progress at Sekyere Hemang plant
The Central Regional management of Ghana Water Limited announced that the raw water source to the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant has significantly improved, with a 35.71% reduction in turbidity.
According to a report by Ghanaweb, Ghana Water Limited provided an update on the water supply to customers in Cape Coast, Elmina, and nearby communities. They reported that the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant now has an average turbidity level of 9,000 NTU. This is a reduction compared to the previous turbidity level of 14,000 NTU. The improvement was attributed to the efforts of the Central Regional Security Council led by Regional Minister Justina Marigold Assan.
As a result, production at the plant has increased from 1,981,290 gallons per day to 2,773,807 gallons per day. Ghana Water Limited assured customers in Cape Coast and surrounding communities that they are making every possible effort to meet their water demands. The company also emphasized its commitment to supplying an adequate water supply to all affected communities while addressing ongoing challenges.
Efforts are also underway by the Central Regional Security Council to help improve the raw water source quality.”
Fixthecountry leader calls progress report a political gimmick
Addressing protesters on the second day of a three-day demonstration organized by the Coalition of Concerned Citizens Against Galamsey on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, Brownson claimed the statement was merely a political attempt to distract Ghanaians from the real issues.
Brownson argued that Ghana Water Limited’s progress was insufficient and did not adequately address the water quality concerns that he raised. He expressed concerns about the treatment procedures being used and the chlorine amounts planned for the water supply. Brownson questioned whether water with a turbidity level of 9,000 NTU could effectively meet the required standard of below 4 NTU.
“…14,000 NTU reduced to about 9,000 NTU and people were applauding them—that is sheer politics,” Brownson said. “Even if it is 9,000 NTU, the requirement is for us to have below 4 NTU. How are they going to treat 9,000 NTU to 4 NTU or below? Look at the amount of chlorine that our water is going to have, in addition to heavy metals like mercury, cyanide, arsenic, lead, and other harmful chemicals.” Brownson also issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to ban all legal and illegal mining activities.
“The devastation caused by galamsey is undeniable, and the effects are catastrophic,” he said. “What we are saying today is for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to ban all legal and illegal mining activities that are destroying our lands immediately, with no exceptions. We are giving them seven days—no delays, promises, or meetings.”
