Journals / International Journal of Environment and Geoinformatics / 2026 / Volume: 13 Issue: 2

Evaluation of Groundwater Potential and Aquifer Protective Capacity of Crystalline Rocks in the Agona East District, Ghana, Using Vertical Electrical Sounding

Vıctor Oforı Agyemang(Community Water and Sanitation Agency)0000-0002-5840-5356
Pages
—
Publication Date
2026-06-19
🏛️Bibliographic metadata and full text access for this article are provided via DergiPark.
DergiPark Record ↗
✨

AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Hence, effective groundwater exploration may be done with the integration of VES and other suitable geophysical techniques.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:In Ghana, the most popular geophysical method for groundwater exploration is the vertical electrical sounding (VES) technique.
📊
Key Findings & Data:The report revealed that the area generally has a moderate groundwater potential and moderate aquifer protective capacity.
💡
Conclusion & Impact:Hence, effective groundwater exploration may be done with the integration of VES and other suitable geophysical techniques.
🔬Design:Research Article
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Agona East District · Birimian · Crystalline rocks

Abstract

In Ghana, the most popular geophysical method for groundwater exploration is the vertical electrical sounding (VES) technique. Although the method has been effectively used in some parts of the country, its effectiveness is limited in other areas. Therefore, assessment of groundwater potential, aquifer protection capacity, and suitability of the VES technique for groundwater exploration in the Agona East District was successfully conducted in this study. The report revealed that the area generally has a moderate groundwater potential and moderate aquifer protective capacity. The study revealed 50% success rate with a drilling depth range of 40.5-90 m and a mean of 69.3 m. The range of borehole yield was 12-50 l/min, with an average of 29 l/min, indicating moderate to high yield within the aquifer zone range of 6-46 m below the surface. The study revealed that the VES is effective in assessing the groundwater potential of the crystalline rocks, as the results agreed with the findings of early studies. However, there was a poor correlation between the geophysical data interpretation and the borehole log data, indicating the limitations of the use of only the VES for exploration in the area. Hence, effective groundwater exploration may be done with the integration of VES and other suitable geophysical techniques.

🔖

Cite This Article

Agyemang, V. O. (2026). Evaluation of Groundwater Potential and Aquifer Protective Capacity of Crystalline Rocks in the Agona East District, Ghana, Using Vertical Electrical Sounding. International Journal of Environment and Geoinformatics, Volume: 13 Issue: 2. https://doi.org/10.26650/ijegeo.1872613

📄 Full Text PDF Viewer

📄

PDF görüntüleyici hazırlanıyor...

References (52)

  1. Abouchami, W., Boher, M., Michard, A., & Albarede, F. 1990. A major 2.1 Ga event of magmatism in West Africa: an early stage of crustal accretion. Journal of Geophysical Research. 95: 17605-17629.
  2. Abudulawal L., Amidu S.A., Apanpa K.A., Adeagbo O.A., Akinbiyi O.A. 2015. Geophysical Investigation of Subsurface Water of Erunmu and its Environs, Southwestern Nigeria using Electrical Resistivity Method. Journal of Applied Science. 15:741-751.
  3. Acworth, R. I. 1987. The development of crystalline basement aquifers in a tropical Environment. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology, 20, 265-272.
  4. Agyemang V.O. 2020. Application of magnetotelluric geophysical technique in delineation of zones of high groundwater potential for borehole drilling in five communities in the Agona East District, Ghana. Applied Water Science (2020) 10:128 https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-020-01214-2
  5. Agyemang V.O. 2021. Hydrogeophysical characterization of aquifers in Upper Denkyira East and West Districts, Ghana. Applied Water Science (2021) 11:132 https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-021-01462-w
  6. Agyemang VO (2022b) “Assessment of groundwater development potential of aquifers within the Ajumako–Enyan–Essiam district of Ghana”. Sustainable Water Resources Management (2022) 8:140.
  7. Agyemang VO. (2025a) ‘‘Hydrogeophysical crystalline aquifer characterization in the Ajumako–Enyan–Essiam District, Ghana. Int. J Energ Water Res (2025).10.1007/s42108-025-00374-8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42108-025-00374-8.
  8. Agyemang VO. (2025b) ‘Crystalline aquifer characterization using vertical electrical sounding in Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa district, Ghana’’. Int J Energ Water Res (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42108-025-00385-5
  9. Agyemang VO. (2025c) Groundwater resources development for a sustainable water supply in developing countries: a case study of Ghana. Cleaner Water. Available online 30 July 2025, 100104.
  10. Agyemang, V.O. (2022a) Geophysical investigation of groundwater potential and aquifer protective capability in selected communities within Cape Coast municipality, Ghana. Appl Water Sci 12, 23 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-021-01558-3.
  11. Agyemang, VO. (2025d) Sustainable rural water supply management in developing countries: a case study of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency reform in Ghana. International Journal of Water Management and Diplomacy, Issue 9 2026. e-ISSN: 2717-8277.
  12. Akingboye AS. 2024. Geophysical research on the interplays between soil-rock variability and hydrogeological structures: a case study. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology. https://doi.org/10.1144/qjegh2023-100
  13. Akingboye, A.S., Bery, A.A., Kayode, J.S. et al. 2022. Near-Surface Crustal Architecture and Geohydrodynamics of the Crystalline Basement Terrain of Araromi, Akungba-Akoko, SW Nigeria, Derived from Multi-Geophysical Methods. Nat Resour Res 31, 215–236 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11053-021-10000-z
  14. Asante-Annor, A., Acquah, J., and Ansah, E. 2018. Hydro-geological and Hydrochemical Assessment of Basin Granitoids in Assin and Breman Districts of Ghana. Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 6, 31-57. https://doi.org/10.4236/gep.2018.69004
  15. Asare R., Sakyi P.A., Fynn O.F., Osiakwan G.M. 2016. Assessment of Groundwater Quality and its Suitability for Domestic and Agricultural Purposes in parts of the Central Region, Ghana. West African Journal of Applied Ecology, Vol. 24(2), 2016: 67–89.
  16. Bayewu O.O., Oloruntola M.O., Mosuro G.O., Laniyan T.A., Ariyo S.O., Fatoba J.O. 2018. Assessment of groundwater prospect and aquifer protective capacity using resistivity method in Olabisi Onabanjo University campus, Ago-Iwoye, Southwestern Nigeria. NRIAG Journal of Astronomy and Geophysics Vol. 7(2), December 2018, Pages 347-360. doi.org/10.1016/j.nrjag.2018.05.002.
  17. Bhattacharya P.K., Patra H.P., 1968. Direct Current Geoelectric Sounding Methods in Geochemistry and Geophysics. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp. 135p.
  18. Boubaya D. 2017. Combining Resistivity and Aeromagnetic Geophysical Surveys for Groundwater Exploration in the Maghnia Plain of Algeria. Hindawi Journal of Geological Research Vol. 2017, Article ID 1309053, 14 pages https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/1309053
  19. Chilton, P. J. and Foster, S. S. D. 1995. Hydrogeological Characterization and Water-Supply Potential of Basement Aquifers in Tropical Africa. Hydrogeology Journal, 3, 36-49.
  20. Dapaah-Siakwan S., Gyau-Boakye P. 2000. Hydrogeological framework and borehole yields in Ghana. Hydrogeol J 8:405–416
  21. Derie, Bereket M 2019. “Integration of Geophysical Methods for Groundwater Exploration in Hard Rock Areas: Application to Alla Valley, Eritrea, NE Africa”. figshare. https://hdl.handle.net/2134/12616.
  22. Ewusi A 2006. Groundwater Exploration and Management using Geophysics: Northern Region of Ghana. Thesis submitted as part of the requirement for the PhD Environmental and Resource Management degree, Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Process Engineering, BTU Cottbus. 3rd November 2006.
  23. Fadele S.I., Sule P.O., Dewu B.B.M. 2013. The Use of Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) for Groundwater Exploration around Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Pacific Journal of Science and Technology 14: 549-555.
  24. Forkuor, G., Pavelic, P., Asare, E., and Obuobie, E., 2013. Modelling potential areas of groundwater development for agriculture in northern Ghana using GIS/RS. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 58 (2), 437–451.
  25. Ganyaglo S, Banoeng-Yakubo B., Osae S., Dampare S., and Fianko J.R. 2011. Water quality assessment of groundwater in some rock types in parts of the eastern region of Ghana. Environmental Earth Sciences. 62. 1055-1069. 10.1007/s12665-010-0594-3.
  26. Gao Q, Hasan M, Shang Y, Qi S. 2024. Geophysical estimation of 2D hydraulic conductivity for groundwater assessment in hard rock. Acta Geophys. 1–12. doi: 10.1007/s11600-024-01310-w.
  27. Geological Survey Department G. 2009. Geological Map of Ghana 1: 000 000. Geological Map of Ghana. Geological Survey Department, GSD.
  28. Ghana Statistical Service. 2021. Population and Housing Census: Summary Report of Final Result, Accra, Ghana.
  29. Gumma, M.K., Pavelic, P., 2012. Mapping of groundwater potential zones across Ghana using remote sensing, geographic information systems, and spatial modelling. Environmental Monitoring Assessment, doi: 10.1007/s10661-012-2810-y.
  30. Hewaidy, A. G., El-Motaal, E. A., Sultan, A. S., Ramdan, T. A., El khafif A. A., & Soliman S. A. (2015). Groundwater exploration using resistivity and magnetic data at the northwestern part of the Gulf of Suez, Egypt. Egyptian Journal of Petroleum, 24, 255-263. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejpe.2015.07.010.
  31. Junner NR. 1935. Gold in the Gold Coast: Gold Coast Geological Survey Memoir No. 4, 67 pp.
  32. Keary P., Brooks M. (1984) An introduction to geophysical exploration. Blackwell Scientific Publications. 196 pp
  33. Kesse GO 1985. The mineral and rock resources of Ghana. A. A. Balkema. Rotterdam. Pp.25-26.
  34. Key, R. M. (1992). An introduction to the crystalline basement of Africa. In: Wright E. P. and Burgess, W. G. (eds.) The Hydrogeology of Crystalline Basement Aquifers in Africa. Geological Society London Special Publications, 66, 29-58.
  35. Lachassagne, P. and R. Wyns 2005. Aquifères de socle: nouveaux concepts. In: Géosciences, n° 2, sept. 2005, Orleans, pp. 32–37.
  36. Loke M.H., 1999.Time-lapse resistivity imaging inversion. In: Proceedings of the 5th Meeting of the Environmental and Engineering Geophysical Society European Section, Em1. 90pp.
  37. MacDonald, A., Davies, J., Calow, R., and Chilton, J. 2005. Developing Groundwater: A Guide for Rural Water Supply. British Geological Survey, ITDG Publishing. 358p.
  38. Mainoo, P.A., Manu, E., Yidana, S.M., Agyekum, W.A., Stigter, T., Duah, A.A., Preko, K., 2019. Application of 2D-Electrical resistivity tomography in delineating groundwater potential zones: Case study from the Voltaian Supergroup of Ghana. Journal of African Earth Sciences. Journal of African Earth Sciences 160 (2019) 103618
  39. Makokha, M., Obando, J., Kweyu, R., & Asokan, S. (2024). Situational analysis of groundwater resources in Kenyan drylands, case study of Turkana county. International Journal of Environment and Geoinformatics, 11(3), 1-10.
  40. Manu E., Duah A., Agyekum A.W., Tagoe R. 2019. Application of vertical electronic sounding for groundwater exploration of Cape Coast municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. Arab J Geosci (2019):1-11. doi.10.1007/s12517-019-4374-4.
  41. Margat J., and Van-der J.G. 2013. Groundwater around the World. CRC Press/Balkema.
  42. Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing (2010) Community Water and Sanitation Agency Sector guidelines - general (rural communities and small towns). Government of Ghana December, 2010.
  43. Okrah C., Danuor S.K., Dapaah-Siakwan S. 2012. Groundwater exploration in the granitic rock formation of Komenda/Edina/Eguafo/Abirem district using integrated geophysical techniques. J Ghana Sci Assoc 14(2):56–72
  44. Olayinka A.I. 1996. Non-uniqueness in the interpretation of bedrock resistivity from sounding curves and its hydrological implications. Water Resour., NAH 7 (1and 2), 55–60.
  45. Olayinka A.I., Amidu S.A., Oladunjoye M.A. 2004. Use of Electromagnetic Profiling and Resistivity Sounding for Groundwater Exploration in the Crystalline Basement Area of Igbeti, Southwestern Nigeria. Global Journal of Geological Sciences. 2:243-253.
  46. Osiakwan GM, Appiah-Adjei EK, Kabo-Bah AT, Gibrilla A, Anornu G, 2021. Assessment of groundwater quality and the controlling factors in coastal aquifers of Ghana: An integrated statistical, geostatistical, and hydrogeochemical approach. Journal of African Earth Sciences. Vol. 184, December 2021, 104371. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2021.104371
  47. Osiakwan GM, Gibrilla A, Kabo-Bah AT, Appiah-Adjei EK, Anornu G 2022. Delineation of groundwater potential zones in the Central Region of Ghana using GIS and fuzzy analytic hierarchy process. Modeling Earth Systems and Environment volume 8, pages 5305–5326. DOI: 10.1007/s40808-022-01380
  48. Sharma, S.P. and Baranwal, V.C., 2005. Delineation of groundwater-bearing fracture zones in a hard rock integrating very low frequency electromagnetic and resistivity data. Journal of Applied Geophysics 57,155-166.
  49. United Nations Economic Commission for Europe 1999. Inventory of Transboundary Groundwaters. Ülker, D., Ergüven, O., & Gazioğlu, C. (2018). Socio-economic impacts in a changing climate: Case study Syria. International Journal of Environment and Geoinformatics, 5(1), 84-93.
  50. Wang X, Lu J, Guo M, Zhang S, Hu Q, and El-Kaliouby H, 2025. "Inversion of induced polarization-affected electrical-source transient electromagnetic data observed in the groundwater survey from eastern Tibet, China," Geophysics 90: B17-B28. https://doi.org/10.1190/geo2024-0010.1
  51. Wright, E.P., 1992. The hydrogeology of crystalline basement aquifers in Africa. Geological Society, London, Special Publications. V. 66; p. 1-27, doi: 10.l144/GSL.LP.1991.066.01.01.
  52. Zohdy, A., 1965. The auxiliary point method of electrical sounding, and its relationship to the Dar Zarrouk parameters. Geophysics 30, 644-660.