The Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, has ordered the immediate suspension of a development project believed to be endangering the Kpeve Water headwork, a critical facility that supplies potable water to several communities in the Volta Region. 

The directive followed a high-level stakeholder meeting convened by the Minister at the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) in Ho after reports emerged that construction activities near the intake of the Kpeve Water Works were compromising the quality of water. 

The meeting brought together representatives from the Ghana Water Limited (GWL), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Water Resources Commission, National Investigations Bureau (NIB), National Security, Fisheries Commission, Public Utility and Regulatory Commission (PURC), landowners, developers, and other key agencies. 

Addressing participants, Mr. Gunu underscored the primacy of human life and public safety in all development decisions. 

“This matter is about people’s lives. No project, regardless of its importance, should threaten the lives of our people. The public interest will always take precedence,” he noted. 

After extensive deliberations, the Minister directed that the heap of materials deposited near the water source should be immediately removed as a temporary safeguard to prevent further contamination. 

He also tasked a joint technical team made up of all relevant agencies to inspect the affected site and propose a comprehensive and sustainable solution to protect the Kpeve Water System and ensure continuous access to safe drinking water. 

Mr. Gunu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding natural resources and ensuring that all development projects in the region comply with environmental and safety standards.  

“Development is essential, but it must never come at the expense of human life or environmental sustainability,” he emphasised. 

The ongoing project at Kpeve has affected the operation of the treatment plant, as the muddied water caused by the construction activities was making it difficult for the facility to function effectively. 

A Technical Sub-Committee of the Afadzato South Assembly has upheld the development of land at the Kpeve Tornu by Stallion BSK Ghana Company Limited, whose constructional activities were interacting with fresh water at the intake point of the Headworks of GWL. 

The land in question has consumed the buffer zone, with key factors such as the GWL and PURC raising issues with the estate developer, who has ignored the protection of the buffer zone.