A devastating accident occurred on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, when a truck carrying agrochemicals crashed into the Tordze River, a tributary of the Volta River, at Tove in the Republic of Togo.
The incident has resulted in a massive spill of toxic chemicals into the river, posing a significant threat to the health and livelihoods of communities that rely on the river for drinking, fishing, irrigation, and washing.
The Volta Regional Coordinating Council has issued a warning to all individuals and communities that rely on River Tordze, including those in the Agortime-Ziope District and downstream areas, to abstain from using the river’s water until further notice.
The council has emphasized that 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 human activity.
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.
The council has also appealed to the public to help disseminate this notice to prevent any potential harm to individuals and communities relying on the Tordze River.
The incident has raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with exposure to toxic chemicals.
According to experts, exposure to agrochemicals can cause a range of health problems, including skin irritation, respiratory issues, and even cancer.
The Volta Regional Coordinating Council has assured the public that it is working closely with relevant authorities to assess the situation and provide support to affected communities.
In the meantime, residents are advised to exercise caution and avoid using the river’s water until it is declared safe.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
