Massive Galamsey Shuts Down Bonsa Water Treatment Plant, Tarkwa Faces Crisis

Tarkwa and its surrounding areas are now facing a water crisis after the Bonsa Headworks, which supplies 75% of the town’s potable water, was shut down. According to Ghana Water Limited (GWCL), illegal mining activities, or galamsey, have polluted the Bonsa River, making it impossible to treat the water.

“We are sorry to announce that Bonsa Headworks has been shut down due to massive galamsey activities on River Bonsa, making it difficult to abstract for treatment,” said Wisdom Die, District Manager for GWCL in Tarkwa.

The memo, dated January 2, 2025, detailed how GWCL had tried to keep the plant running but couldn’t overcome the severe pollution. “We have tried all that we could but to no avail, hence the shutdown,” it stated.

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Currently, the river’s water quality is so bad that it doesn’t meet the minimum standards needed for processing. GWCL says they are closely monitoring the situation. “The river is still being monitored for acceptable parameters to enable us to restart production, and until then, the plant remains closed,” the memo added.

The shutdown will leave many residents struggling to access clean water. Tarkwa, known for its mining activities, is now ironically paying the price of illegal mining with a critical resource – water.

GWCL has promised to keep residents informed about any updates. “We promise to update the public for any development with regards to the current situation,” said the memo.