The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has taken prompt action to suspend the operations of four sachet water-producing companies in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region.

This decision was made after the FDA detected the presence of microorganisms in water samples collected from these companies, rendering the water unsuitable for human consumption.

The FDA's actions are part of a proactive approach to ensure public safety, especially in light of the flooding incidents in the lower Volta region following the Akosombo Dam spillage.

A team led by the Volta Region Director of the FDA, Gordon Akurugu, conducted the assessment in collaboration with officials from the FDA, the Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit, and the Ghana Health Service.

Out of the four facilities, two rely on borehole water for production, one receives its supply from the Ghana Water Company, and the last company extracts water directly from the Volta Lake for production.

Mr. Akurugu explained that all four registered facilities had malfunctioning Ultraviolet disinfection systems, making them incapable of purifying the water and rendering it vulnerable to microbial contamination. He also suggested that runoff from the dam might have infiltrated the borehole supplies, causing pollution.

During this period, all the water produced has been confiscated for safe disposal. The FDA is working with the facilities to rectify the identified issues before they can resume production.

“So far we have visited several facilities and samples were picked up 3 days ago. Unfortunately, four of the facilities have been affected by water having microbiological issues. There have been a growth in the samples we picked and therefore those facilities need to fix them before we allow them to come into the market,” he said.

“And it is not only sachet water producers we are visiting, but we are also visiting food vendors, we are visiting restaurant operators, hotels to ensure that they don't use unsafe water to serve clients,” he added.