Ghana’s Kwanyako Water Plant resumes full operation after siltation fixes, but faces dry-season risks without urgent desilting and investment.

The Kwanyako Water Treatment Plant in Ghana has resumed full production after months of disruptions caused by excessive siltation and high turbidity, with Managing Director Adam Mutawakilu attributing the recovery to engineering upgrades like relocating pumps to the surface. He warned that full capacity may not be sustained during the dry season due to falling water levels and urged corporate and government partners to support a nationwide desilting effort, estimating a GHS 300 million need for key sites. A 24-month Catchment Recovery Plan was unveiled to address root causes, including illegal mining, farming, and construction near rivers, with goals of riverbank stabilization, re-vegetation, and community engagement. Mutawakilu emphasized that siltation is driving up treatment costs—chemical use has surged up to 400%—and threatens water reliability across industries, schools, and hospitals, calling for urgent collaboration to prevent broader economic impacts.