The Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) has issued an urgent warning to communities that depend on the River Tordze for drinking, fishing, irrigation, or washing, advising them to refrain from using the water until it is confirmed safe for human and animal consumption.
According to the VRCC, a truck carrying agrochemicals was involved in an accident at Tove in the Republic of Togo, causing harmful substances to spill into the Tordze River, a tributary of the Volta River.
The warning was in a statement issued on Wednesday, February 19, and signed by Mr. Augustus K. Awity, the Chief Director and Regional Coordinating Director.
The statement confirmed that the incident occurred on Tuesday, February 18, raising concerns about potential water contamination.
“It is essential to assess the level of contamination in the Tordze River and its adjoining water bodies in Ghana before declaring them safe for any human activities, including fishing,” the statement emphasised.
In response, affected Municipal and District Assemblies have been directed to provide alternative water sources for impacted communities until the situation is fully assessed and resolved.
Meanwhile, residents of Agortime Kpetoe in the Agortime-Ziope District, who have already been grappling with a long-standing potable water crisis, are particularly affected, as they heavily rely on the Tordze River for daily use.
Mr Gorden Akurugu, Volta Regional Director, Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that his outfit would assess the situation by taking samples and subjecting them to forensic analysis to determine safety or otherwise.
Authorities urged residents to exercise caution and comply with safety directives to prevent health hazards associated with chemical contamination.
Source: GNA
