Tensions are rising in Funko, a community in the Ahanta West Municipality of Ghana’s Western Region, where residents are protesting what they describe as the reckless discharge of liquid waste by a local church. The Believers Worship Center, also known as Second Chance, is accused of releasing wastewater onto a key access road, contributing to its rapid deterioration and posing potential health hazards.
Assembly Member Hayford Kofi Otabil has strongly criticized the church’s actions, calling them “irresponsible and unacceptable.” He revealed that despite repeated complaints and meetings with the Ahanta West Municipal Assembly, no resolution has been reached. “We’ve written letters, made calls, and nothing has been done. If this continues, we’ll take to the streets,” Otabil warned.
In response, Church Chairman Justice Noah denied that the liquid is harmful, claiming it is simply rainwater runoff from the church’s roof. He added that plans are in place to install an underground pipe to redirect the flow to a main gutter. “We’re not ignoring the problem. The pipeline project is underway with support from the Municipal Assembly,” Noah assured.
Despite this, residents remain skeptical and are urging swift and transparent action to prevent further environmental and infrastructural damage in the area.