Water from the Tordze River, a tributary of the Volta River flowing through Agotime Ziope, Adaklu, and nearby districts, has been declared safe following laboratory tests after a suspected contamination.
On February 19, 2025, the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) issued a warning about potential contamination after a truck carrying agrochemicals overturned in Tove, Togo, spilling chemicals into the river.
However, tests conducted by relevant state institutions have confirmed “normal water quality attributes.”
Despite the findings, the VRCC has advised residents in the affected areas to treat water from the Tordze before use.
“Although preliminary findings regarding the potential effects of suspected contamination in the Tordze and its tributaries on human and aquatic life are negative, we strongly advise the public, especially residents and communities that rely on the Tordze, to consume only treated water from the river while we await the results of ongoing laboratory investigations,” the VRCC stated in a communique issued on February 28, 2025.
The communique, signed by VRCC Chief Director Augustus Awiti, noted that inspections of the river and surrounding areas revealed no signs of dead or distressed aquatic species, nor any unusual odors. Additionally, no water-related communicable diseases had been reported in health facilities within the catchment area.
Mr. Awiti added that water samples have been sent to the Ghana Standards Authority and the Central Laboratory of the Ghana Water Company Limited for pesticide residue analysis to assess any long-term impact on human health and aquatic life.
The VRCC is also working with authorities in Togo to pinpoint the exact location of the chemical spill to determine the specific contaminants involved.