Gomoa East records 20 diarrhoea cases after galamsey pollution shuts down Kwanyako Water Works

A diarrhoea outbreak has hit Gomoa East in Ghana’s Central Region, with over 20 cases reported at the Gomoa Fetteh CHPs compound, following a severe water shortage caused by galamsey pollution that shut down the Kwanyako treatment plant.

Health facilities are struggling to maintain hygiene, residents are relying on unsafe water sources shared with animals, and some are paying exorbitant prices or traveling long distances for clean water.

The crisis has sparked calls from local leaders including Nana Kwesi Arhin, who spends nearly GHS 1,000 weekly on water for urgent government intervention to halt illegal mining and restore access to safe water, as nearby districts like Agona Swedru and Gomoa Central also face mounting health risks.