The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bongo, Mr. Joseph Akasake Abaah, has given renewed hope to residents, hinting at a possible end to the decades-long challenge of fluoride-contaminated water in the district.
Speaking on A1 Radio, the DCE disclosed that concerted efforts by key stakeholders could finally bring relief to the people of Bongo, particularly those in the district capital, before the end of next year.
According to Mr. Abaah, Bongo Township has for years battled high fluoride content in groundwater, making most boreholes unsafe for human consumption.
“Anytime you drill a borehole within the district capital, there’s a high possibility that testing will show excessive fluoride levels, which are not good for human life,” he explained.
This situation has left residents with limited options, forcing many to rely on unsafe water sources that pose serious health risks.
In an attempt to address the problem, WaterAid and Community Water initiatives previously supported a project to connect two existing boreholes from nearby communities to a mechanized system to supply Bongo Township.
However, the intervention faced resistance from host communities, who were uncomfortable losing direct access to their boreholes and opposed the introduction of a credit-based payment system for water.
To resolve the tension, the District Assembly drilled two additional boreholes—one each for Borigo and Gorigo communities. Mr. Abaah explained that although the Assembly is required under District Assembly Common Fund guidelines to drill at least 10 boreholes annually, unfavorable weather during the rainy season delayed further drilling.
He assured residents that by January next year, eight more boreholes would be drilled to meet the requirement.
Beyond borehole interventions, the DCE revealed that a more sustainable solution is being pursued. He disclosed that the Member of Parliament for Bongo, Hon. Charles Bawa-Dua, together with the Paramount Chief, Engineer Amuna (Board Chairman of ECG), and other stakeholders, have been engaging the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), and Community Water authorities.
A recent stakeholders’ meeting, according to Mr. Abaah, marked a major breakthrough.
“The Honourable Member of Parliament briefed us that an agreement has been reached for Ghana Water Company Limited to supply potable water directly to Bongo Township,” he announced, describing the development as “fresh from the box.”
This potential shift is significant, especially as Bongo hosts the Vea Dam, yet residents have long been excluded from benefiting directly from its water.
While Ghana Water traditionally focuses on urban areas, Mr. Abaah argued that Bongo has grown substantially and meets many criteria for municipal status, strengthening its case for inclusion in national water supply planning.
If implemented, the intervention is expected to bring immense relief to residents who have endured years of health complications linked to fluoride consumption, including joint pains and other chronic conditions.
“This will be a big relief to the good people of Bongo,” the DCE stressed. “We have prayed for this moment, and we are hopeful that from January onwards, we will begin to see real action.”
Source: A1 Radio | 101. Mhz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
