The Chief Director of the Volta Regional Co-ordinating Council (VRCC), Augustus K. Awity, has issued a strong warning to residents living near the River Tordze, cautioning that the river has been contaminated following an agrochemical spill.

According to a press release issued on Wednesday, February 19, the contamination occurred after a truck carrying agrochemicals overturned at Tove in the Republic of Togo, spilling its contents into the Tordze River, a tributary of the Volta River. The incident took place on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

The affected areas include Kpedze, Luvudo, Honuta, Aflakpe, Klave, Shia, Nyive, Atikpui, Nyitoe, Kpadzaxor, Agotime Apegame, Agotime Kpetoe, Agotime Adedome, and Adaklu, with the contamination extending into the River Volta. Residents in these communities have been advised against using the water for any purpose.

Mr Awity emphasised the urgency of assessing the level of contamination in the Tordze River and adjoining water bodies before they can be deemed safe for human activity, including fishing.

“The Volta Regional Coordinating Council is therefore warning all individuals and communities that rely on River Tordze (including those in the Agotime-Ziope District and downstream areas) for drinking, fishing, irrigation, or washing to abstain from using the water until it is confirmed safe for human and animal consumption,” Mr Awity stated.

He further disclosed that all affected Municipal and District Assemblies have been instructed to provide alternative water sources for impacted communities until the contamination is fully investigated and resolved.

Authorities are expected to conduct environmental assessments to determine the full extent of the contamination and implement necessary remediation measures. Meanwhile, residents have been urged to adhere strictly to the directive to avoid potential health hazards.

Read the full statement below