Residents of Gomoa Tekyam, in the Gomoa East District of the Central Region, are grappling with a severe public health crisis caused by the contamination of their primary water source, the Ayensu River.
The community reports widespread cases of bilharzia, diarrhea, skin rashes, and persistent itching, all linked to the consumption of water from the polluted river.
Locals say the situation has worsened over time, with some residents requiring hospitalization due to the severity of their symptoms, they said this during an interview with Happy Kaseɛbɔ.
Nana Kwaku Afful II, the Omanbaatan of Gomoa Tekyam, confirmed the conditions, revealing that he too has been affected.
He emphasized that illegal mining activities upstream have degraded the river’s quality, turning a once-reliable water source into a health hazard.
“One of our own was hospitalized after drinking from the river,” Nana Afful stated.
“We urgently need government intervention not only to restore clean water but to put an end to the illegal mining destroying our environment.”
The residents are calling on district and national authorities to take swift action to address the crisis and prevent further harm to the community.
