By Ashiadey Dotse
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has signed a GH¢8.4 million agreement with Ghana Water Limited (GWL) to rehabilitate three major water supply systems in the Western and Central Regions that have been badly affected by illegal mining activities.
The project will restore the Bonsa, Daboase and Sekyere Heman Water Supply Systems, which have suffered years of heavy siltation and declining water quality.
Speaking at the signing ceremony at Goldbod head office in Accra on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, GoldBod Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, said the Board approved the project after conducting an independent technical assessment with Ghana Water Limited to determine the extent of damage to the affected facilities.
He explained that the assessment confirmed severe sedimentation, unstable water channels and frequent blockages at the intake points, making the systems unable to effectively treat and supply potable water.
Mr. Gyamfi said the intervention forms part of GoldBod’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Corporate Social Responsibility policies, which focus on environmental restoration and sustainable development.
He noted that although the degradation of the water systems started long before the establishment of GoldBod, the Board decided to support the rehabilitation because access to clean drinking water is a national priority.
“This is about Ghana. It is not about when the problem occurred; it is about how we solve it. This is about drinking water, and water, as they say, is life,” he said.
Mr. Gyamfi disclosed that six water supply systems were initially identified for rehabilitation, namely Bonsa, Daboase, Sekyere Heman, Beffour, Kwanyako and Essiama. However, due to budget constraints, GoldBod will begin with the first three systems under the initial phase of the project.
He expressed the hope that the successful completion of the first phase would pave the way for the rehabilitation of the remaining three facilities.
The GoldBod CEO stressed that the agreement goes beyond providing financial support, saying the Board would actively monitor the implementation of the project to ensure value for money and successful delivery.
“We are signing this agreement because we do not simply want to donate money. We want to ensure that the funds are properly applied and, more importantly, that we are actively involved in monitoring the rehabilitation process,” he stated.
The rehabilitation works will include desilting water intake systems, dredging, hydrographic surveys, sediment removal, reservoir capacity assessments, emergency restoration works, stabilisation of intake infrastructure, water quality monitoring, engineering inspections and project supervision.
Mr. Gyamfi said Ghana Water Limited would execute the project in accordance with all applicable laws while GoldBod provides funding and participates in monitoring and project completion activities.
Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited, Adam Mutawakilu, expressed his appreciation to the GoldBod for the intervention, describing it as timely and critical to restoring water production in the affected communities.
He said the problem of high turbidity in the water bodies has persisted for about nine years, with the deterioration becoming more severe from 2017 due to illegal mining activities.
According to him, Ghana Water Limited recognised that addressing the challenge required support from other institutions, prompting the company to seek assistance from GoldBod.
Mr. Mutawakilu assured GoldBod that the funds would be managed responsibly.
“There will be transparency and accountability for every pesewa that you are providing. Together, we will ensure that everything outlined in the agreement is implemented successfully,“ he said.
He added that the successful execution of the first phase would strengthen efforts to secure support for the rehabilitation of the remaining water supply systems.
The rehabilitation project is expected to improve water production, restore reliable water supply and enhance service delivery to thousands of residents in the Western and Central Regions while contributing to environmental sustainability and the protection of critical public infrastructure.
