Residents of Baifikrom, Mankessim, Enyanmaim, and nearby communities in the Central Region have been advised to take urgent safety measures following a chlorine gas leak at the Baifikrom Water Treatment Plant. Chlorine, a toxic greenish-yellow chemical commonly used in water purification, has a pungent bleach-like odour and poses serious health risks when inhaled.
In a statement signed by Emmanuel Kwesi Dawood Mensah, Central Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), it was confirmed that the Regional Disaster Management Committee, working with the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the Ghana Health Service, and NADMO, has brought the situation under control. Emergency teams, however, remain on site to fully contain and neutralise the gas.
Mr. Mensah cautioned that the leak still presents potential health hazards and urged residents to strictly follow safety instructions. The statement advised anyone who detects a sharp bleach-like smell to move immediately upwind or to higher ground, noting that chlorine gas is heavier than air and tends to accumulate in low-lying areas. Those unable to evacuate were instructed to stay indoors, keep doors and windows shut, and seal openings with damp cloths to reduce exposure.
Residents were also cautioned against seeking shelter in basements, valleys or trenches where the gas could accumulate. Health concerns. According to the advisory, exposure to chlorine gas could cause stinging eyes, blurred vision, coughing, skin irritation and difficulty in breathing. Affected persons were advised to flush their eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes, wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water, and move to areas with fresh air if experiencing breathing difficulties.
Mr Mensah said health facilities, including the Mankessim Catholic Hospital and nearby centres, had been placed on alert to handle potential cases. Residents with persistent symptoms, particularly respiratory distress, have been urged to seek immediate medical attention. He appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid the immediate vicinity of the treatment plant to allow emergency teams to work effectively, saying NADMO officials and Disaster Volunteer Groups had been deployed to assist residents and ensure orderly movement within affected areas.
The statement assured the public that further updates would be provided as technical teams complete efforts to isolate the affected chlorine canisters.
Source: Shirley Asiedu-Addo
