GBETSILE RESIDENTS TO DEMONSTRATE OVER PROLONGED WATER CRISIS

Residents of Gbetsile, led by Development Chief Nana Kwabena Acheampong and community opinion leaders, have issued a final warning to Ghana Water Company Limited and other relevant authorities to urgently address the community’s persistent water shortage or face a massive street demonstration.

The planned demonstration is scheduled for Friday, May 29, 2026.

Organizers confirm they have secured all necessary permits from the Ghana Police Service and have finalized arrangements for the march.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, Nana Acheampong expressed frustration over the crisis, noting that parts of Gbetsile have been without running water for several months.

“Access to water is a basic necessity and should not be politicized,” he said. “Water is life, and the continued shortage is alarming and unacceptable.”

He added that surrounding communities are experiencing similar challenges.

“What pains us most is that we allocated land to Ghana Water Company Limited to establish an office here, yet water is being supplied to other communities while Gbetsile is left out.”

Nana Acheampong warned that if immediate action is not taken, demonstrators will march to the offices of Ghana Water Company Limited to register their displeasure.

Lead convener Mr. Eugene Sai Johnson, a resident of Gbetsile for over eight years, said the current crisis is unprecedented.

“Due to the shortage, we are forced to buy water from vendors without knowing the source, which poses serious health risks including cholera and other waterborne diseases,” he explained.

He described how students and residents struggle daily, sometimes relying on sachet and bottled water for cooking, bathing, and other essential uses when water tankers are unavailable.

“We have written multiple letters to Ghana Water and relevant authorities, but no action has been taken. We have the permits, and the demonstration will proceed until we see water flowing in our taps.”

Miss Evergreen Owusuaa, Manager of Alpha Hotel in Gbetsile, highlighted the economic impact of the crisis.

“We spend at least GH¢1,000 every five days on water, and it’s severely affecting our business. Guests have had to bathe with buckets instead of showers. The situation is particularly difficult for women during their menstrual periods.”

She also decried receiving monthly water bills despite no supply. “When we report to the Ghana Water office here in Gbetsile, even their staff admit they don’t have water.”

 

Opinion leader Mr. Stephen Narteh Quarcoo criticized municipal leadership for their silence.

“We have written to our MCE and MP but have not received any response. Nothing will stop us from demonstrating tomorrow. We urge all residents to join in large numbers until Gbetsile and surrounding communities get water.”

 

In an interview with DJ Hitman, host of DL FM’s morning show Anidaso Wo Ho Ma Obiara, the Public Relations and Communications Manager of Ghana Water Company Limited, Mr. Stanley Martey, addressed the recent water supply challenges affecting parts of the community.

Mr. Martey explained that the main pipeline from Kpong to Gbetsile has been compromised.

According to him, some farmers along the stretch have illegally tapped into the line using tubes to irrigate their crops. Additionally, due to the age of the infrastructure, a section of the pipeline has burst, resulting in the current water crisis.

He assured the public that the technical team has already identified the problem and is working assiduously to resolve it. Mr. Martey expressed appreciation to residents for their patience, rendered an unreserved apology for the inconvenience caused, and gave the assurance that the issue will be resolved within two to three months.

Touching on billing concerns, Mr. Martey clarified that customers are billed monthly based on consumption.

He noted that even if water flows for only two or three days within the month, a bill will still be generated accordingly.

However, if no water flows through a customer’s meter, the bill will reflect zero usage.

He urged customers who receive bills despite not getting water to report to their respective district offices for clarification and redress.

 

STORY BY: NHYIRABA KWADWO SAMMY BEE AND EMMANUEL OPOKU ADUSI

SOURCE: DLNEWSROOM