It’s The Truth; About 30% Of Ghana’s Water Contaminated With Minerals

The Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) has revealed that approximately 30% of groundwater in the country contains iron, manganese, fluoride, arsenic, and hardness, posing potential health risks, including impotency in men if not properly treated before consumption.

Dr. Worlanyo Kwadjo Siabe, the CEO of CWSA, disclosed this during a news briefing in Accra, emphasizing the importance of treating water in communities with boreholes to safeguard public health.

To address this issue, CWSA has invested GHS 35 million annually in a packaged water treatment plant. Dr. Siabe highlighted the deteriorating condition of surface water sources, mainly due to unapproved human activities, particularly illegal small-scale mining, affecting river basins. The briefing focused on sustainable rural and small-town water sources through policy reforms.

As of 2022, CWSA manages 1,924 water systems in 169 districts across all 16 regions, achieving a 62.63% water coverage. This coverage includes services provided by CWSAMMDAS, NGOs, and religious bodies under CWSA’s supervision. The government, through the Ministry of Finance, has contributed GHS 486 million since 2017 towards the agency’s infrastructure development. Additionally, CWSA has provided GHS 196 million through internally generated funds to complement government efforts.

Dr. Siabe noted challenges, such as a 36% water loss due to theft, frequent breakdowns, extended downtime of water systems, and high unaccounted revenue. He expressed optimism that with about GHS 200 million in support from the government and development partners, the agency could effectively address these challenges. The Sustainable Rural Water and Sanitation Project, funded through a $41.5 million IDA/World Bank loan, has benefited 11 regions with improved water systems and household toilets, demonstrating progress in addressing water and sanitation issues at the community level.