Cape Coast, April 7, – A potentially hazardous chlorine gas leak at the Baifikrom Water Treatment Plant in the Central Region has been successfully contained through a coordinated emergency response.
The operation involved personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the Ghana Health Service, Ghana Water Limited, and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).
Although the cause of the leak remains unknown, technical experts are continuing efforts to fully neutralise the gas to prevent any further risk to surrounding communities.
In a public alert, the Central Regional Secretariat of NADMO warned residents in Baifikrom, Mankessim, Enyanmaim and nearby areas to take precautionary measures, noting that exposure to chlorine gas could have serious health implications.
The Secretariat said emergency protocols had been activated to safeguard lives and urged residents to remain calm while adhering strictly to safety directives, including avoiding the immediate surroundings of the treatment facility.
The alert, signed by Mr Emmanuel Kwesi Dawood, Central Regional Director of NADMO, advised residents to evacuate to higher ground if they perceived a strong, bleach-like smell associated with chlorine gas.
It further recommended that individuals who could not evacuate should remain indoors, shut all windows and doors, and block openings with damp materials to minimise exposure.
Residents were also cautioned to stay away from low-lying areas such as valleys, trenches and basements, where the gas could accumulate due to its density.
The statement indicated that exposure could lead to symptoms including eye irritation, blurred vision, coughing, skin discomfort and breathing difficulties, and advised affected persons to wash exposed areas thoroughly with clean water and soap.
“Persons experiencing difficulty in breathing should immediately move to an area with fresh air and remain calm,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, emergency medical centres have been set up at the Mankessim Catholic Hospital and other nearby facilities to attend to affected residents.
The Secretariat urged anyone showing signs of exposure to promptly seek medical attention at the nearest health facility.
GHBUSS
April 7, 2026
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