Wangkang Ceramics Company Limited, a Chinese firm based in Eshiem in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis of the Western Region, has fully complied with a directive issued by the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, to cease blocking and polluting River Anankore due to its operational activities.

The company had been given a one-week ultimatum by the Minister to stop the illegal activities obstructing the flow and purity of River Anankore, a vital water body located in the Inchaban township.

Earnest Hoffman, an officer with the Water Resources Commission (WRC) at Ghana Water Company Limited, had briefed Minister Nelson on the illegal activities of the company, which were in direct violation of previously issued instructions.

In response, the Minister gave the Chinese firm a firm ultimatum to comply with his directive. The Minister insisted that the company's operations should not interfere with the activities of Ghana Water Company Limited, particularly concerning the Anankore River.

Ghana Water Company reported the Chinese firm to the Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC) after the company failed to adhere to the directives from the Ghana Water Company and the Water Resources Commission (WRC).

Attempts to resolve the issue through dialogue between the water company and the Commission had been unsuccessful due to the entrenched position of the Chinese firm.

On Friday, 7th March 2025, Minister Joseph Nelson held a meeting with stakeholders and brokered an amicable settlement to the impasse that had been ongoing since the previous year.

The Minister emphasised that the production and supply of water in the Metropolis and surrounding communities should not be hindered by the activities of the Chinese firm. He subsequently instructed the company to immediately find an alternative method of waste management and to clear any obstructions from River Anankore.

These actions, he stated, would ensure that Ghana Water Company Limited could continue its operations without any disruptions.

He made it clear that the pollution of the river through the company's activities must cease, in line with the directive. He gave the company a one-week ultimatum to rectify the situation and report back, noting that the resolution of the matter depended entirely on their compliance.

The Chinese firm later complied with the directive and reported improved activities at the site.

On Thursday, 13th March 2025, Minister Nelson followed up to assess the situation at the company's site. He was briefed by the General Manager of the company, Chang Hong, on their operations and the steps taken to address the water company's concerns.

The General Manager later took the Minister and his team on a tour of the company's departments, including the exact location where the pollution and blockage of River Anankore had been occurring.

After the visit, Joseph Nelson expressed satisfaction with the compliance and assured the Chinese firm of a continued healthy working relationship.