The Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) has issued an urgent warning to communities along the Tordze River following a hazardous agrochemical spill.
The incident occurred on February 18, 2025, when a truck carrying agrochemicals was involved in an accident at Tove in the Republic of Togo, leading to the contamination of the river, a tributary of the Volta River.
In a press release signed by the Chief Director of the VRCC, residents relying on the river for drinking, fishing, irrigation, or washing have been advised to refrain from using the water until further notice. Authorities are currently assessing the extent of contamination before declaring the river safe for human and animal use.
The affected areas, particularly in the Agortime-Ziope District and downstream communities, are at high risk. In response, the municipal and district assemblies have been directed to provide alternative water sources for impacted residents.
The full statement reads:
Agrochemicals have unfortunately spilled from a truck into the Tordze River, a tributary of the Volta River, at Tove in the Republic of Togo. This incident occurred on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, when the truck was involved in an accident.
It is essential to assess the level of contamination in the Tordze River and its adjoining water bodies in Ghana before declaring them safe for any human activity, including fishing.
The Volta Regional Coordinating Council, in this regard, is warning all individuals and communities that rely on River Tordze (including those in the Agortime-Ziope District and downstream areas) for drinking, fishing, irrigation, or washing to abstain until the water is confirmed safe for human and animal consumption.
In response to this development, all affected Municipal and District Assemblies have been instructed to provide alternative water sources for the impacted communities until the matter is resolved.
We kindly wish to entreat you to help disseminate this notice.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Deborah Amuzu
