A special national security task force will be deployed to protect key water bodies in the Ashanti Region as authorities warn of a looming supply crisis driven by pollution and siltation.

The intervention follows alarming disclosures by Ghana Water Limited that the Owabi Treatment Plant is about 75% clogged with sand and plastic waste, while the Barekese Dam has lost roughly 40% of its water-holding capacity.

Officials say encroachment, illegal farming along catchment areas, and plastic pollution are choking the two major sources supplying water to the Greater Kumasi metropolis.

“If there is serious climate variability, the remaining volume cannot even last a year,” said Dr Hanson Mensah-Akutteh, a regional manager at Ghana Water Limited.

The company estimates the Owabi facility currently processes about 3 million gallons of water daily but warns that worsening conditions could disrupt supply to thousands of households within the next two years.

At Barekese, authorities say heavy silt deposits have reduced the depth of the reservoir, making it difficult to extract water from lower levels despite relatively clearer surface conditions.

Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited, Adam Mutawakilu, said funding approval has been requested for dredging works, which are seen as critical to restoring capacity.

“We have requested commitment authorisation… it is my hope that it will be approved on time so that we can kickstart the dredging,” he said.

Officials warn that without urgent intervention, including enforcement against encroachment and environmental degradation, Kumasi could face severe water shortages if prolonged dry conditions set in.