Evaluation of Aquifer Characteristics of Voltaian Sedimentary Rocks in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana

Abstract

Groundwater potential of the sedimentary formation in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana has been evaluated using computed transmissivity and specific capacity values. Data on multiple step and constant-discharge tests on twenty (20) boreholes were analyzed. The Cooper-Jacob’s straight line analytical approach was used to determine the aquifer characteristics. Computed transmissiv-ity coefficients of the underlying aquifer ranged widely from 0.82 – 61.27 m²d^-1. The specific ca-pacity values obtained varied between 0.59 and 75.20 m³d^-1m^-1. Total head loses of the boreholes ranged generally between 5.49 and 99.2%. Hydrogeologically, the aquifer systems can be described as fairly heterogeneous in accordance with Krasny’s transmissivity classification model. Ground-water potential of the sedimentary aquifer system could be classified as high to intermediate to yield substantial groundwater resource for domestic and industrial water supply. To secure sub-stantial quantity of water for sustainable water supply in areas underlain by this sedimentary aqui-fer system in Ghana, integrated geophysical approach including 2D-Continuous Vertical Electrical Resistivity (CVES) survey, and other related tools such as Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) should be used to enhance the delineation of deeper aquifer zones of high groundwater potential

Keywords: Ghana, Brong Ahafo, groundwater, sedimentary rocks, transmissivity, aquifer, sustainable, specific capacity