GWCL to explore mining pit lakes as alternative water source for Tarkwa – Mutawakilu

The Managing Director of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Mr. Adam Mutawakilu, says the company is set to engage mining firms operating within the Tarkwa enclave to explore the use of water from their pit lakes as an emergency alternative source of raw water for treatment and supply to Tarkwa and nearby communities.

This follows the shutdown of the Bonsa Water Treatment Plant, which has been out of operation for the past three weeks due to heavy siltation caused by illegal mining activities along the Bonsa River.

Mr. Mutawakilu, who visited the Bonsa Water Treatment Plant on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, together with key regional management teams, expressed deep concern about the worsening turbidity levels of the river. He explained that recent assessments show the turbidity of the pit lakes used by some mining companies is “significantly lower” than the current state of the Bonsa River, making those water sources easier and more cost-effective to treat. He clarified that these pits contain clear water extracts and not contaminated water, contrary to public fears about the quality of water stored in mining pits.

He indicated that GWCL will immediately initiate discussions with the mining companies to determine technical feasibility, accessibility, and treatment requirements. “Our priority is to get water running again for the people of Tarkwa and its adjoining communities. If the water in the pit lakes meets the parameters we can work with, then we will treat and supply while we continue long-term remediation at the Bonsa intake,” he said.

Touching on the prolonged shutdown, Mr. Mutawakilu noted that the Bonsa treatment plant, constructed in 1982, has not produced water for three weeks due to the devastating impact of galamsey on the river. He explained that although desilting works had been carried out recently, the problem persists, forcing the company to recall contractors to redo the desilting exercise with more intensive methods.

The Managing Director, accompanied by Western and Central Regional Manager of GWCL, Ing. Richard Esuon, toured sections of the river to inspect the extent of pollution. Ing. Esuon confirmed that turbidity readings have reached levels far beyond the plant’s operational capacity. He indicated that unless illegal mining activities upstream are curtailed, continuous siltation will threaten both the intake point and the long-term sustainability of the facility.

The shutdown has already placed significant pressure on residents of Tarkwa, Nsuaem, Bonsa, and neighboring communities, who are now forced to rely on alternative and often unreliable water sources. Residents have been calling for urgent intervention as the situation continues to disrupt homes, businesses, schools, and health facilities.

Mr. Mutawakilu’s visit forms part of his routine monitoring tours of GWCL’s treatment plants across the country. He emphasized that the company is exploring all possible options to stabilize water supply, including short-term emergency interventions and long-term environmental restoration efforts.

GWCL has assured the public that while alternative sources are being assessed, the Bonsa River is continuously being monitored for improvements in water quality parameters. The company pledged to provide timely updates as new developments emerge.