By Prinscilla Bulu
Illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, in Kwanyako has caused excessive mud and debris to clog the pumps of the local water treatment plant, leading to a water crisis in Efutu and nine other districts in the Central Region.
In a phone interview on the GTV Breakfast Show on September 23, 2025, Chief Manager of Corporate Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Michael Klutsey, explained that the river source used by the company is heavily silted due to foreign materials deposited upstream.
Mr. Klutsey said the shutdown of the treatment plant, coupled with high levels of pollution, has made water production impossible. As a result, many affected residents are now depending on unsafe streams, shallow wells, or purchasing water at high costs for daily use.
He added that GWCL is collaborating with security agencies to clamp down on illegal mining activities in the area and is working to restore normal water supply as soon as possible.
