Impact of galamsey:Water shortage triggers diarrhoea outbreak in Gomoa East
A coastal community in the Gomoa East District of the Central Region has recorded 20 diarrhoea cases, following a worsening water shortage triggered by the shutdown of Ghana Water Limited’s Headworks at Kwanyako.
Health officials at the Gomoa Fetteh CHPs compound say the lack of water has made it increasingly difficult to maintain hygiene and sanitation at the facility.
Senior midwife, Belinda Serwaa Sarfo, confirmed to Citi News that “20 people reported to the facility with diarrhoea cases [on Sunday],” adding that cases of enteric and typhoid fever are also being reported.
A terrible scene of the water Senior midwife, Belinda Serwaa Sarfo
The health centre has been without water for over a week, with tanker delivery services stretched thin due to high demand across the district. The shortage has left staff struggling with basic care.
One resident, Muda Siru, who rushed his child to the facility, recounted how treatment was delayed because nurses had difficulty finding clean bedsheets.
“They were trying their best, but I saw they were frustrated. There’s no water at the facility, so they haven’t been able to wash the used bedsheets. The nurse on duty struggled before finding a clean one. So I’m even considering getting them an additional storage tank and support water delivery to the CHPs zone,” he said.
Local leaders warn that the crisis is worsening. Assemblyman for the community, Frank Enyinda, noted that residents are paying exorbitant prices for water, with some forced to travel long distances to Senya Breku to fetch supplies.
“My people are suffering. A bucket of water is now selling at an exorbitant price. Not many can afford. The rate of infections may increase,” he lamented.
Some households are now resorting to unsafe water sources, including shallow pools also used by animals.Dwantoahene of the community, Nana Kwesi Arhin, has appealed to the government to intervene decisively. Linking the crisis to illegal mining activities, he said: “I watched the news on Channel One TV and realised the situation is caused by the shutdown of the Kwanyako plant due to galamsey.
“I want the government to be bold and take decisive action against the galamseyers so that we can all be safe.”The chief, who disclosed that he spends nearly GHS 1,000 weekly on tanker services, warned that the community’s plight will deepen if urgent measures are not taken.By:Akwasi Addo
