The Gyasehene of Gomoa Wassa in the Gomoa West District of the Central Region, Nana Kwesi Essel Okyea-hene, has constructed seven boreholes for five communities in the area.

This follows a severe water crisis in parts of the Central Region after illegal mining activities polluted the River Ayensu — the main source of water for the Agona Kwanyarko Water Works.

Adom News earlier reported that more than 10 districts in the Central Region were experiencing water shortages after galamsey activities in the Eastern Region polluted the River Ayensu.

To help alleviate the crisis, the Gyasehene of Gomoa Wassa, who also serves as the Director of Young Executive and Onua Francis Schools, Nana Kwesi Essel Okyea-hene, has commissioned seven mechanised boreholes for the communities of Gomoa Wassa, Gomoa Nkran, Gomoa Akwakrom, Gomoa Penanko, and Gomoa Nduem — all in the Gomoa West District.

Speaking to Adom News after commissioning the boreholes, Nana Kwesi Essel Okyea-hene said he was moved by the hardship residents faced in accessing clean water after the Ghana Water Company shut down its treatment plant at Agona Kwanyarko.

He emphasised the importance of giving back to one’s community and encouraged Ghanaians to return home and contribute to local development, noting that “the government alone cannot do everything for the entire country.”

Nana Kwesi Essel also revealed that he had constructed public toilets and other social amenities for the Gomoa Wassa community, and urged Ghanaians to discard the old belief that developing one’s hometown invites misfortune or witchcraft.

Meanwhile, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Gomoa West, Mohammed Alhaji Kassim, has commended Nana Kwesi Essel Okyea-hene for his remarkable contribution to the communities during these challenging times.

The DCE expressed surprise at the initiative, noting that the District Assembly had planned to drill only 10 boreholes in the entire district. He said if a single traditional leader had provided seven, then Nana deserved to be praised highly.

Some residents who spoke to Adom News also expressed their excitement and gratitude for the intervention, saying it has brought great relief to their daily lives.