The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has raised concerns about the deteriorating state of the Densu River, warning that human activities beyond illegal mining are severely polluting the water body and threatening the Weija Dam, which supplies water to Accra and Kasoa.

Speaking during a tour of the Weija Water Treatment Plant in Accra ahead of World Water Day on March 22, 2025, Ing. Emmanuel Johnson, Regional Chief Manager of Accra West of the Ghana Water Company Limited cautioned that while illegal mining is widely known as a major threat to Ghana’s water bodies, other harmful human activities are equally contributing to the degradation of freshwater sources.

“We hear of illegal mining, galamsey, almost daily in Ghana, so one is tempted to think that that is about the only challenge plaguing our water bodies. However, apart from galamsey, there are other human activities such as poor agriculture practices, sand winning, that are equally harmful to our freshwater bodies,” he stated.

Ing. Johnson further cautioned the public that without responsible usage of water, access to water would be affected.

“The population is growing, and population growth comes with increased water usage—for industrial, commercial, and domestic activities. If we are unable to get enough water for these purposes, we will be forced to go longer distances to find fresh water for use.”

Currently, the company loses 51% of the water produced nationwide due to leakages, burst pipes, and illegal usage. Additionally, it collects revenue for only 41% of the water supplied.