Friends of Rivers demand strict enforcement of river protection laws

The Friends of Rivers and Waterbodies has called for the strict enforcement of environmental laws to effectively protect the country’s rivers. 

The environmental non-governmental organisation (NGO) expressed concern over the lax application of these laws, attributing the issue to official inaction.

Speaking to the Daily Graphic yesterday, shortly after the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources launched this year’s World Rivers Day, the President of the organisation, Nana Dwomoh Sarpong, stated, “We cannot continue to do the wrong things and expect to get results.”

He highlighted the ongoing problem of illegal mining, expressing concern that a solution to the issue remained elusive.

Event

This year’s Rivers Day 2025, which falls on Sunday, September 28, marks the 20th anniversary of the celebration.

With many of Ghana’s rivers in a degraded state and facing increasing pressures from pollution due to galamsey, climate change, and industrial development, the country has a significant challenge in reversing this situation.

The theme for this year’s event, “Waterways in Our Communities”, emphasises the importance of protecting rivers that are still in good condition while striving to restore those that have been damaged in the past.

Water-stressed

Nana Sarpong described Ghana as a "water-stressed country," stating, “When your water supply is stressed, it affects food security and the health of the people.”

In that context, he urged everyone to participate in finding solutions.

Referring to some African countries that have strictly implemented environmental laws, Nana Sarpong suggested that Ghana should learn from their example.

“If we don't take this issue seriously, then World Water Day is not worth celebrating,” he stated.