The Principal Basin Officer, Tano Basin Secretariat, Water Resources Commission (WRC), Mr Solomon Danso-Ankamah has called on Ghanaians to be mindful of the way they manage water resources to ensure the availability of clean and abundant water. In an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Sunyani, he advised citizens to adopt prudent water management mechanisms that would enable the country to attain sustainable water resources.
One of the major challenges to effective water resource management in Ghana is improper waste management. Mr Danso-Ankamah pointed out that waste materials from gutters and unplanned landfill sites found their ways into the water bodies, thus polluting the water. He also lamented that in Sunyani, there is no landfill site, and the dumping site available is not properly engineered to avoid groundwater pollution. This situation calls for a need to implement proper waste management systems to prevent groundwater pollution and ensure clean water for consumption.
The effects of water pollution on water providers like the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) cannot be overemphasized. The more polluted the water, the more chemicals required to treat it, which increases the cost of production. For the most part, this cost is borne by consumers who have to pay more for water supply.
To address these challenges, Mr Danso-Ankamah called on every citizen to take responsibility for water resource management. He emphasized that managing water was not a one-time event but a process, which required the concerted effort of everyone. By adopting best practices in water management, such as reducing water wastage, preventing pollution, and protecting water sources, the country can attain sustainable water resources and ensure the availability of clean and abundant water.
In summary, the call for effective water resource management is a wake-up call to all Ghanaians to be mindful of the way they use and manage water resources. Proper waste management and responsible use of water are essential in ensuring clean and abundant water. By taking individual responsibility and adopting best practices, Ghana can attain sustainable water resources, which will benefit everyone in the long run.