Mr. Stanley Martey, Director of Public Relations for the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), has clarified that the GHS300 million referenced by the Managing Director during a press conference on Monday, October 20, 2025, is strictly allocated for the dredging and desilting of eight priority intake stations.
Speaking in an interview on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr. Martey explained that this significant investment is essential for the dredging and desilting of these crucial, prioritized treatment plants. He stated that the exercise has become critical due to escalating levels of siltation, which, if not addressed, could severely undermine operational efficiency and the quality of water distributed to consumers.
“Without the dredging of these plants to ensure we can store adequate water in our reservoirs, we face the risk of a crisis during the upcoming Harmattan season,” he cautioned.
Mr. Martey provided context on previous investments, revealing that dredging exercises conducted in Kumasi and Mampong in 2023 and 2024 cost the company GHS54 million and GHS14 million, respectively. He affirmed that the GHS300 million figure is based on comprehensive feasibility studies conducted by the GWCL for the eight target treatment plants.
He, however, stressed a broader perspective, noting: “This does not mean that after the dredging exercise, all our water problems would be solved. Every area has specific challenges. We have a broader plan and strategy to align with the Sustainable Development Goals and the government’s agenda to achieve ‘water for all’ by 2030.”
The Director commended President John Dramani Mahama and his administration for the noticeable gains made in the fight against illegal mining (“galamsey”), which is now contributing to a reduction in water turbidity levels.
“The efforts and interventions deployed by this government have made a tangible impact. The turbidity levels are reducing. The reduction in the number of excavators and the effective chasing out of illegal miners have all helped to improve the situation. However, we must sustain these gains,” he asserted.
Mr. Martey reiterated the immediate necessity to dredge, desilt, and store more water in preparation for the dry season. He detailed that the GWCL’s broader plan includes riverbank stabilization, re-vegetation of erosion hotspots, targeted dredging, and coordinated community engagement to protect riverbanks.
He concluded with an appeal: “We currently lack the necessary resources for the proposed exercise. That is why we are appealing to corporate Ghana—both the private and public sectors—to collaborate with GWCL by providing the logistics for the dredging and desilting, including excavators, so that we can successfully complete this exercise and mitigate challenges during the dry season.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
