Reported by Daniel Yeboah
For the past three days, residents of Kyebi in the Eastern Region have been grappling with a severe water shortage, leaving households, schools, and health facilities in distress. The crisis has been attributed to the destructive impact of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which has heavily polluted the Birim River the main source of water supply for the area.
According to reports, the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) was forced to shut down its treatment plant serving Kyebi after pollution levels in the river surged beyond manageable limits. Officials indicated that the high levels of silt, chemicals, and other waste from illegal mining activities made it extremely difficult to treat the water for safe consumption.
The shutdown has left residents in a desperate situation. Families are struggling to find alternative sources of water, with some walking long distances to fetch water from streams, while others are forced to buy sachet water at high costs. Market women and food vendors at Kyebi market lamented that the shortage is disrupting their businesses, as cooking and cleaning have become nearly impossible.
“This is unacceptable. How can we survive without water for three days? Our children are suffering, schools cannot operate properly, and health facilities are in danger. The authorities must act quickly,” one resident complained.
The situation has also heightened fears of an outbreak of water-related diseases, as some residents resort to using untreated sources to meet their needs. Environmental activists have repeatedly warned about such consequences, stressing that illegal mining is gradually destroying Ghana’s natural water bodies.
Kyebi, being the hometown of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has long been in the spotlight in the fight against galamsey. Yet residents say the menace persists and continues to undermine access to clean and safe water.
Community leaders and concerned citizens are calling on government, security agencies, and traditional authorities to take urgent steps to address the problem. They believe the only sustainable solution lies in intensifying the fight against galamsey, restoring polluted rivers, and safeguarding the operations of the Ghana Water Company Limited.
Until then, life in Kyebi remains unbearable as the town struggles through its third day without water a harsh reminder of the devastating consequences of illegal mining.
