Urgent need to save our rivers

Last Sunday, September 22, 2024, marked World Rivers Day (WRD), a global event that highlights the importance of river conservation and the many values of our rivers.

The celebration strives to increase public awareness and encourages the improved stewardship of all rivers around the world.  

In 2005, river enthusiasts from around the world came together to organise the inaugural WRD event. From some dozens of country participants in 2005, the event, which is  celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday of every September, is now held in up to 100 countries around the globe.

Though the Daily Graphic did not see much activity regarding the celebration of the day in the country, it considers the day as very crucial for the whole nation, especially at a time that the citizenry are crying over the pollution of our major water bodies, notably our rivers, by the activities of illegal small-scale miners, popularly called galamsey, as well as other human activities that have put our rivers and other water bodies in danger.

In March, this year, the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) issued a warning about a potential water crisis in the Greater Kumasi Area, citing encroachment activities around the Barekese Water Treatment Plant as a major concern. 

According to the company, the Barekese catchment area had experienced 80 per cent reduction in forest cover, leading to a 53 per cent increase in siltation, which has significantly reduced the reservoir’s storage capacity to less than half.

Then just last August the management of GWCL in the Central Region announced challenges with water supply in Cape Coast, Elmina and surrounding communities.

According to the GWCL, the demand-supply gap was as a result of inadequate raw water received at the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant as result of galamsey activities.

In a press statement the company noted that pollution of the Pra River, especially at the catchment area for abstraction, had significantly reduced water intake to the barest minimum and about 60 per cent of the catchment capacity was silted as a result of illegal mining compromising the quality of raw water. 

It is disheartening to know that GWCL was as of last August, recording an average turbidity of 14,000 NTU instead of 2,000 NTU designed for adequate treatment, part of the statement read.

The statement further mentioned that the plant was able to produce only about a quarter of its installed capacity a day, noting that the situation had caused severe inconvenience to customers and consumers.

Galamsey has led to the pollution and poisoning of our rivers with toxic chemicals like lead, mercury and cyanide. Galamsey's ecological and health impacts are staggering.

Deforestation, habitat destruction, water pollution and soil degradation have ravaged Ghana's natural beauty. Miners face severe health risks, including accidents, physical strain, mental strain, kidney problems and respiratory disorders.

The presence of toxic chemicals in the environment and human body is directly linked to galamsey.

The Birim, Pra, Densu and Ayensu rivers which were bubbling with life, and crystal clear, are a pale shadow of themselves, with virtually no life found in these major water bodies.

The consequences are dire: children born with deformities, and water sources becoming too turbid for treatment.

It is now clear to everyone that if the pollution of our rivers and other water bodies is not halted immediately, then the country within a very short time would be compelled to import water for consumption, a stark reality for a nation with such rich natural resources.

Bold decisions from duty bearers first, and all Ghanaians are needed to bring this canker to an end. The country needs collective action to implement a comprehensive ban on illegal mining operations to prevent further environmental degradation and health risks.

There must be an immediate action to promote and support responsible mining methods that prioritise environmental sustainability and the safety of workers.

The Daily Graphic also thinks that many of our illegal miners will be willing to engage in other ventures when the opportunity presents itself. Therefore, the government must work at providing alternative livelihoods for communities affected by galamsey to ensure their economic well-being without compromising the environment.

The government must strengthen policies and enforcement to prevent galamsey and protect Ghana's water bodies.

As we have commemorated World Rivers Day, we enjoin all Ghanaians to unite to protect Ghana's rivers and ensure a sustainable future. We owe it to ourselves, our children and future generations to preserve our natural resources.