Evaluating Borehole Performance in Tolon And Wa West Districts of Northern Ghana

Abstract

Groundwater is a very important asset for many domestic and agricultural activities to the people of Northern Ghana, where majority are farmers. This research evaluated boreholes yields and transmissivity in Wa West (Baleofili) and Tolon Districts (Kpaligung) of Northern Ghana. Pumping tests, absolute and barometric pressures were monitored using non-vented water level sensors for one year (2015-2016). Results of the research indicate that the aquifer of the Kpaligung borehole is of Voltaian province while that of Baleofili is of Granitoid intrusions. The yield of the Baleofili borehole is 1.8 m³/h (30 l/min), while that of the Kpaligung borehole yields 1.4 m³/h (23 l/min). The Kpaligung borehole indicated gradual decrease in drawdown as pumping test went on, due to the borehole receiving recharge from the surrounding boreholes, as the cone of depression intercepted their aquifers. The transmissivity (T) value was therefore determined to be 0.5 m²/d. However, the Baleofili borehole shows gradual increase in drawdown, which indicates that the aquifer properties away from the borehole are poorer than those closer to the borehole. The transmissivity (T) value was therefore determined to be 0.8 m²/d. The yields of the two boreholes are enough for domestic water supply of the beneficiary communities. More intensive monitoring and data gathering efforts should be undertaken to understand the groundwater resources in northern Ghana especially geology, aquifer system, and flow patterns.