EASTERN REGION CELEBRATES WORLD WATER DAY AT KYEBI

World Water Day was celebrated across the globe yesterday and Ghana was no exception.

In the Eastern Region, the ceremony was held in Kyebi, capital of the East Akim Municipal, on the theme ” Water and Waste Water” chaired by Osabarima Kyiritwie Boakye Danquah, Kyebi Abontendomhene.

In his opening remarks, Osabarima expressed his displeasure of low turnouts due to poor publicity but welcomed all to the occasion.

In a speech delivered by the Eastern Regional Chief Manager of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Mr Philip Dwamena Boateng said, we all owe it as a duty to help recycle waste water for reuse. “Globally over 80% of the waste water generated by society flows back into the ecosystem without being treated thereby contaminating the sources of water of many, putting them at risk of contracting cholera, dysentery, typhoid and other water related diseases” he pointed out.

He also mentioned the devastating effects of waste water from illegal mining popularly called ‘galamsey’ which include pollution and drying of water bodies which has resulted in less water for treatment, reduction in aquatic organisms, loss of farmlands and other health effects due to the use of poisonous chemicals like mercury and cyanide. He therefore urged all to help sustain our water resources for our future survival.

In his remarks the Eastern Regional Minister, Honorable Eric Kwakye Darfour hammered on the need to help fight the ‘galamsey’ menace confronting Ghana and Kyebi in particular that has resulted in the suspension of operations of Kyebi water treatment plant.

To climax the occasion, there was tree planting along the bank of River Birim to encourage afforestation to protect water bodies.

In attendance were representatives from the Kyebi Traditional Council, Eastern Regional Security Council, Ghana Forestry Commission, Water Resources Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, Students, Media houses and Mr Kitson Ohemeng Kissi, Regional Chairman of NPP.

Historically, an international day to celebrate fresh water was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) which was captured in chapter 18 (Fresh Water Resources) of Agenda 21, held in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating 22nd March,1993 as the first World Water Day and it has been held annually since then.

Each year a specific aspect of water is highlighted.

Story filed by Oppong Kyekyeku/Radio1