By Ghana News
Copyright ghanamma
The Chief of Atwima Kwanwoma in the Ashanti Region, Nana Amponsah Kwaa IV, has warned that Ghana’s future is under threat if urgent steps are not taken to protect and restore the country’s rivers, stressing that “without our rivers, indeed we have no future.”
Delivering the keynote address at Ghana’s maiden commemoration of World Rivers Day in Accra on September 30, 2025, Nana Kwaa said rivers such as the Ayensu, Oda, Pra, Ankobra, Tano, Densu and Volta have for decades supported agriculture, energy, transportation, cultural heritage and human survival.
However, illegal mining, deforestation, indiscriminate waste disposal and unregulated sand winning have been rapidly degrading these lifelines.
“Our water bodies are so polluted that Ghana Water Limited has been forced to shut down some treatment plants. Beyond the huge cost of chemicals to purify polluted water, there are dangerous health implications for Ghanaians,” he cautioned.
The chief commended government interventions such as the establishment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), the deployment of Blue Water Guards along major rivers, and the designation of water bodies and forests as security zones.
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He emphasised, however, that the government alone could not win the fight.
“Communities must see themselves as custodians of the rivers. Our traditional leaders must enforce cultural practices that preserve water bodies, and the private sector must adopt responsible practices. Most importantly, our youth must lead the charge for clean and healthy rivers,” Nana Kwaa urged.
Dr Lumor Mawuli, Head of Policy, Planning, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Water Resources Commission (WRC), noted that the theme, “Our Rivers, Our Future,” highlighted the deep link between water resources and poverty reduction.
He said the commission had completed consultations for new Buffer Zone and Water Pollution Regulations, which would soon be laid before Parliament.
“Reminding ourselves is not enough; it calls for action from everyone. We must intensify integrated water resources management to safeguard rivers for socio-economic development,” Dr Mawuli said.
Deborah Darko, Senior Researcher in Hydrology and Climate at CSIR–Water Research Institute, stressed that restoring rivers is achievable if the nation acts collectively.
“When decisive action was taken against galamsey in 2017, we all witnessed tangible improvements in water clarity across our river basins. This shows us that with commitment and collective efforts, restoration is possible,” she said.
As part of the commemoration, participants pledged to plant trees along riverbanks, reduce plastic waste and step up education on sustainable water practices.
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