Water from Tordze, a tributary of the Volta River that flows through the Agotime Ziope and Adaklu districts, has been declared safe following a sample test after a suspected contamination. On February 19, 2025, the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) issued a warning about the potential contamination after agrochemicals were spilled into the river in Tove, a neighboring area in Togo. This incident occurred when a truck was involved in an accident.
However, a laboratory test and other investigations conducted by the relevant state institutions “reveal normal water quality attributes.” To ensure the safety of residents, the VRCC warned residents in the catchment area to treat water from Tordze before consuming it, either drinking, cooking, or any other domestic use.
“Although preliminary findings regarding the potential effects of suspected contamination in the Tordze and its tributaries on human and aquatic life are negative, we strongly advise the public especially residents and communities that rely on the Tordze to consume only treated water from the river while we await the results of ongoing laboratory investigations”, the VRCC warned in a subsequent communique issued on 28th February 2025.
The communique signed by the Chief Director of the VRCC, Augustus Awiti indicated that the summary of the preliminary findings after a visit to the river and catchment areas revealed that there were no dead or distressed aquatic species, and no pungent smells or odors at the various sites visited. He further noted that no cases of communicable disease were reported at health facilities within the catchment area that can be attributed to water contamination, adding that the tested samples reveal normal water quality attributes prior to the suspected contamination.
“Additionally, samples have been sent to both the Ghana Standards Authority and the Central Laboratory of the Ghana Water Company Limited for pesticide residue analysis. This testing aims to determine the impact on human health and aquatic life”, he said. Mr. Awiti said that the VRCC is collaborating with its counterparts in Togo to identify the exact spot of the spillage to “collect samples and confirm the chemicals involved.”
By: Fred Quame Asare
