{
  "id": 6708070,
  "title": "PURC Executive Secretary familiarises with GWL Kpeve Headworks activities",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/purc-executive-secretary-familiarises-with-gwl-kpeve-headworks",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-11T04:24:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/purc-executive-secretary-familiarises-with-gwl-kpeve-headworks-activities/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dr Shafic Sulemana, Executive Secretary of the Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC), affirmed on Wednesday that the Commission will not violate its duties concerning the Kpeve Headworks of Ghana Water Limited (GWL). This assurance comes amidst public concern over the construction of a resort by estate developer Stallion BSK Ghana Limited near the Kpeve Headworks. The project is disregarding the buffer zone requirement, an international standard for protecting water bodies, and has impacted water supplies to communities in the catchment area, including Ho, the regional capital.\n\nDr Sulemana, while mandated to regulate, oversee and provide guidelines for the provision of electricity, water, and natural gas transportation services, stated that a team from the Commission visited the Headworks to familiarize themselves with the developments and make an informed decision. He noted several positive signs, such as the construction of a 'rip rap' or embankment to protect run-offs into the intake point, but emphasized that much work remains to be done. He stressed that the buffer zone of at least 500 meters has been significantly compromised, which is a breach of water body protection laws.\n\nThe developer must remember that while the resort brings economic value, it should not overshadow the welfare of the people in the Volta region and Ho. Dr Sulemana added that the project cannot interfere with water resource production. He assured that PURC will safeguard the interests and welfare of Ghanaian utility consumers as their primary priority and continue to monitor and enforce high standards of performance and quality of service for public utilities.\n\nMeanwhile, Daniel Fynn Asiam, Project Officer at GWL in Ho, explained that environmental impact assessments can be short or long-term, and GWL is focusing on that while ensuring effluent and waste management requirements are met. Since the Headworks lacks a sedimentation tank, GWL is especially concerned about protecting the intake and shielding human activities near it to guarantee high-quality and unpolluted water supplies.\n\nPhilip Agbezudor, Volta Regional Director of PURC, highlighted that the Volta region is not directly affected by pollution from 'Galamsey' mining, so all activities near water bodies must be protected. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding the Kpeve Headworks to enhance the production of quality water for Ghanaians. Eric Avornyo, Station Manager at Kpeve Headworks, revealed that the station currently produces about 17,000 cubic meters of water per day, just below its capacity of 18,000 cubic meters. The primary challenge is power outages, limiting them from achieving their production targets. He added that GWL has procured two intake pumps to increase water production, which will enhance production if other factors remain constant. Stakeholders, including the Volta Region Coordinating Council (VRCC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PURC, GWL, and others, have expressed collective concern about the resort's proximity to the intake point, potential pollution from upstream areas, and the lack of proper effluent and waste management in the buffer zone.",
  "summary": "Dr Shafic Sulemana, the Executive Secretary of Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC), Wednesday assured that the Commission would not compromise on its responsibilities regarding the Kpeve Headworks of the Ghana Water Limited (GWL).",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}