In a recent address at a knowledge-based capacity-building workshop for the Bongo Traditional Council in Ghana, Hon. Stephen Yakubu, the Upper East Regional Minister, delivered a compelling message urging immediate action to combat water siltation in the region. Yakubu emphasized the critical need to dissuade farmers from cultivating near river bodies, citing their detrimental impact on water quality. He expressed deep concern over the alarming pollution of surface and groundwater due to farming practices along river banks, faecal discharge, and mining activities.
As an advocate for responsible resource management, Hon. Yakubu called upon the Water Resource Commission (WRC) to proactively engage the public in abandoning harmful practices such as open defecation and waste disposal into water bodies. He underscored the WRC’s pivotal role in regulating and preserving water resources, urging collaboration with the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources to implement the successful “Water Police” initiative from Burkina Faso. This collaborative effort, he believes, will safeguard buffer zones and prevent further pollution.
Hon. Yakubu commended the Dutch Water Authorities for their invaluable support of the Blue Deal Project, an integrated water resources management initiative addressing pressing challenges in the Bongo Area. Meanwhile, Bonaba Baba Salifu Atamale Lemyaarum, the Paramount Chief of the Bongo Traditional Area, issued a heartfelt appeal to local Divisional Chiefs to prioritize environmental protection. He proposed innovative solutions, including the appointment of an “Environmental Chief” tasked solely with environmental stewardship. Additionally, he urged the government to empower traditional authorities with legislative authority to address environmental offenders effectively.
The call for environmental action resonates as a vital step towards safeguarding Ghana’s precious water resources and preserving the natural beauty of the Upper East Region. It is imperative for stakeholders at all levels to heed this call and work collaboratively towards a sustainable future.
Source: Bala Ali (Information Service Department)