By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
Although there are numerous water resources, including freshwater bodies, rivers, lakes, and oceans, surrounding the Ada East District in the Greater Accra region, the District Chief Executive (DCE), Ada East District Assembly, Madam Sarah Dugbakie Pobee, has revealed that access to safe water remains a major challenge for most communities in the district, especially the island communities.
To address these life-threatening challenges, the DCE for Ada East District has therefore called for collaboration between stakeholders in the water sector, particularly NGOs, CSOs, and the Ada East District Assembly, to come up with innovative programmes and solutions to ensure regular, clean, and adequate water for everyone everywhere in the district.
In a speech read on her behalf by the Ada East District Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Madam Faustina Polavusi, when addressing a gathering at an event organised by the Coalition of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Water and Sanitation (CONIWAS), in collaboration with the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, NADMO, and Easy Water for Everyone at Pediator Kope, an island community in the Ada East District, she said the district is blessed with numerous water resources, including freshwater bodies, lakes, and oceans, yet most communities are faced with acute clean and safe water.
The event was part of activities earmarked to commemorate the 2024 edition of the World Water Day celebrations,
“Water, the elixir of life, is undoubtedly one of the most precious resources bestowed upon us by nature. Its significance permeates every aspect of our existence, from sustaining the life of living things itself to driving economic prosperity and fostering social well-being, water is an imperative for safeguarding our resources for present and future generations.
Therefore, as we embark on this significant celebration of WWD under the theme: “Leveraging Water for Peace,” it is imperative for us to reflect on the transformative power of water in fostering cooperation, harmony, and sustainable development in our communities and across the globe,” Madam Polavusi explained.
According to her, the theme for the 2024 edition of the WWD celebrations underscores the interconnectedness of water and peace, saying water can transcend physical and ideological boundaries and bridge divides between communities and nations.
“By promoting dialogue, cooperation, and equitable access to water resources, we can mitigate conflicts, promote stability, and lay the foundations for sustainable development. Whether it be through transboundary water management initiatives, cross-sectorial partnerships, or community-led conservation effects, there are countless opportunities for us to leverage as a catalyst for peace,” she reiterated.
Madam Polavusi explained that the celebration of WWD serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to safeguard one of the world’s most precious and cherished resources.
She therefore admonished the public, especially the government, to treat issues of water not as a mere commodity but to see it as a fundamental human right and an essential catalyst for achieving peace, stability, and prosperity.
The Ada East District Director of the NCCE hinted that the assembly, in collaboration with the Ga Dangme citizens in Chicago, USA, will be constructing a water project in one of the hardest hit island communities. This, she noted, will go a long way towards alleviating the suffering of our people.
Meanwhile, the Zonal Director of the Ada East office of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Phidicks Ofori Glah, who bemoaned the usage of harmful chemicals in fishing practices, urged fishermen to cease this practice, while he called upon the chief fishermen to oversee and enforce the cessation of such activities in rivers and seas.
Addressing the gathering on the issues of water pollution, the Zonal Director of the Ada East office of NADMO hinted that other significant sources of water pollution in the area are bathing in rivers, open defecating and defecating in rivers, and the improper disposal of human waste.
“It is disheartening to witness individuals living along riverbanks turning these vital water sources into refuse dumps. These actions significantly contribute to water pollution. I implore everyone who engaged in this activity to cease immediately,” he retorted.
On her part, the Executive Secretary of CONIWAS, Madam Basilia Nanbigne, admonished residents to practice safe and proper waste management to avoid contracting as well as spreading water- and sanitation-related diseases.
“Let’s be mindful that any negative environmental activity we undertake in and around our rivers, lakes, and streams will have health consequences for our communities and communities downstream.
To be at peace with everyone whose life somehow depends on these same rivers, lakes, and streams surrounding us, we must strive to preserve, protect, and stop polluting our water bodies,” the Executive Secretary of CONIWAS reiterated.
