AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine has handed over water systems to four communities in the Obuasi municipality to mark World Water Day.

The water systems, costing GHC2.5 million, will resolve sanitation and hygiene issues exacerbated by limited access to water in the communities.

This year's World Water Day celebration focuses on accelerating change to solve water and sanitation crisis.

The commissioning of the water system by AngloGold will help eliminate water crisis in the selected communities, including Bidieso, Creeki, Kwabrafoso and Ntonsua.

The Senior Manager, Sustainability at AngloGold Mr. Emmanuel Baidoo, "While progress has been made in recent years to improve water access, many still live in conditions with very limited access to consistent and clean drinking water, which has led to an increase in water shortage in several communities.

The construction of these community water systems will contribute to the government's plan to provide safe and sustainable water supply of water to schools and households in the communities while enhancing their water security," he said.

Some residents bemoaned challenges in accessing potable water.

They are excited about the water system handed over to the communities.

Ernestina, a resident of Ntonsua said, "we have only one water source serving this community and sometimes you spend almost two hours to fetch water."

Another said, "I'm happy the water system is close to my house, I won't walk a long distance to get water." 

The World Water Day 2023 campaign encourages people to take action in their own lives to change the way they use, consume and manage water.

Nana Kwabena Ponko II, Chief of Kunka encouraged "the four communities to cultivate good maintenance culture, to enhance the lifespan of the project".