The chief of Kwawu Mpraeso, Nana Ampadu Daaduam II, and the elders of the community have levied heavy fines against a resident, Dora Ama Serwaa, for dumping faecal matter into a community well at Atibie, in the Kwahu South Municipality of Eastern Region.
According to reports, the 30-year-old woman carried out the action following a dispute between her tenants and herself.
The well serves the Mpraeso and Atibie communities.
Admitting to the grievous act, Dora said she always discovered unspeakable contents in her bucket.
Despite reporting the matter to her landlord, she was allegedly ignored, triggering her impulsive decision to dump the contents into the well on the premises out of frustration when she discovered the same contents in her bucket after closing from work.
Unfortunately, the following day, before news of the contamination spread, some food vendors, including waakye sellers, and residents had already used the contaminated water.
Although some customers had purchased some of the foods, vendors swiftly withdrew their goods from circulation upon learning of the contamination.
The landlord expressed his dismay over the situation, citing health issues as the reason for his inability to promptly address Dora’s initial complaint.
Upon investigating and confirming the incident, the chiefs and elders of Kwahu Mpraeso summoned Ama Serwaa and confronted her about her actions.
She admitted to the offence and sought forgiveness from the community leaders.
In response, the chiefs ordered her to pay a fine of GHS700, along with one sheep and a crate of eggs and mandated that she construct a new well for the area.
These penalties were imposed to compensate for the damage caused and to deter any future misconduct.
The assembly member for the Mpraeso Akropong electoral area, Kwasi Mireku Somuah, commended the swift action taken by the community leaders.
He urged residents to learn from this incident and uphold proper conduct in their usage of communal facilities.
Responding to the crisis, Welbeck Afevia Dzidza, the Environmental Health Officer for the Kwahu South Municipal Assembly, also ordered the immediate closure of the contaminated well.
He condemned Dora’s actions and assured the public of forthcoming consequences for her actions.