The Assembly Member for Panfokrom Electoral Area in the Gomoa East District, Japhet Appiah, is calling on the government to temporarily shut down the Panfokrom Technical Institute due to a worsening water crisis affecting the community.
Appiah raised concern over the health risks posed by the only water source available, the Ayensu River, which has become highly turbid and unsafe for consumption. He attributes the contamination to illegal mining activities upstream in Asamang Kesse, Eastern Region, where the river originates.
“Although there’s no galamsey in Panfokrom itself, we’re suffering the consequences,” Appiah stated in an interview with Happy Kasiebo.
He explained that the Ghana Water Company has shut down its treatment plant due to the poor quality of water, leaving residents and students dependent on untreated river water for the past two weeks.
The impact has been severe. Students at the technical institute are reportedly experiencing skin rashes, stomach issues, and other health complications. The long trek to the river for water is also affecting their academic performance.
Appiah has been working to provide temporary relief by coordinating water deliveries through private drivers, but he insists that government intervention is urgently needed.
“The situation is dire. Until clean water is restored, the school should be closed to protect the students,” he emphasized.
Students echoed the Assembly Member’s concerns, citing symptoms such as itching and diarrhoea after consuming the river water. They urged authorities to act swiftly to resolve the crisis.
Meanwhile, the Nifahene of Panfokrom, Kwaku Asare Mankasah, commended Appiah’s efforts and appealed to the Member of Parliament and the District Chief Executive to prioritize the issue and restore safe water access to Panfokrom and surrounding communities.
