KNUST ANALYZES ADOMFE HARD WATER

 

  The Department of Theoretical, Applied Biology, Environment and Chemistry of the College of Sciences of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology has conducted laboratory investigations into the hard water at Adomfe in the Asante Akyem South district of Ashanti to determine the wholesomeness or otherwise of it. The Asante Akyem South District Assembly requested for the laboratory investigation following claims that the water has the potency to heal certain illnesses.  Our Correspondent, Nicholas Osei-Wusu has more on this issue in this report.

A report on the test available to ASHANTI TODAY says the Adomfe Borehole Water meets the physiochemical quality requirements for drinking water based on the World Health Organization and Ghana Standards Authority standards. The Report, signed by the Provost of the College of Sciences, Professor Kwasi Obiri-Danso said also that the water contains 31 point-six calcium per litre and 44 point seven-two hardness per litre. The report noted that although the claim of the healing properties of the Adomfe Hard water cannot be scientifically proven, the high content of calcium and hardness in the water could be a contributory factor in the healing claim since both properties are known to decrease neuromuscular illnesses and also prevent cardiovascular diseases. Speaking to ASHANTI TODAY, Prof. Obiri-Danso emphasized the fact that as scientists, they cannot confirm the healing powers of the hard water, but such water is good for the general health of people. On his part, the Ashanti Regional Head of the Food and Drugs Authority, Vigil Edward Prah-Ashun, explained that even though the laboratory investigations have confirmed the safety and wholeness of the Adomfe hard water for human consumption, the Authority cannot authorize the sale of the water to unsuspecting public as medicine, since that could breach Section 100 of the Public Health Safety law of Ghana. According to Mr. Prah-Ashun, the law does not permit the presentation of any food such as water as medicine but can only be allowed to be bagged and sold just like any other packaged water. A visit to Adomfe revealed a higher patronage of the hard water by both the residents and people from outside even the Ashanti region as they trooped in cars with gallons of all sizes and shapes to purchase the water. The water is sold at three Ghana Cedis per gallon to the residents and 10 Ghana Cedis to non-residents. The chief of the town, Okofrobuor Nana Adomfe Agyei told said in an interview, that he is a living witness to the healing potency of the water. According to the chief, he himself has been healed from stroke after drinking from the borehole. Okofrobour Adomfe Agyei said he had been suffering from stroke for two and a-half years until the contractor who sunk the borehole revealed that the water from it is hard and has some healing properties.