Hydrogeological Evaluation of Groundwater Resources in the Ejisu-Juaben District, Ghana

Abstract

The increasing stress on freshwater resources due to ever-rising demands and profligate uses as well as growing 
population of Ejisu-Juaben District is an issue of great concern. The purpose of this study is to make a quantitative 
estimate of the available groundwater resources in the Ejisu-Juaben district for efficient utilization and management of 
groundwater resources. The methodology involved the collection and analysis of existing well data and chloride mass 
balance. The results indicate that the aquifers are composite and composed of weathered regolith of low permeability 
and high storage and overlying fissured bedrock of high permeability and low storage. Semi unconfined aquifers prevail 
in major portions, which constitute the principal source of groundwater. The depths of boreholes in the District range 
from 17 - 75 m with an average of 51 m. Generally Ejisu-Juaben district has low groundwater potential with mean yield, 
transmissivity and specific yield values of 2.8 m3/h, 12.5 m2/d and 0.95 m3/h/m respectively. Recharge in the district is 
estimated as 7 - 9% of the average annual rainfall of 1874 mm. The permanent water reserve of 326,064,375 m3 and 
recoverable water reserve of 130,425,750 m3 for the aquifer of the basement complex aquifer were estimated from the 
records of 97 boreholes.