The Coordinator for Eco-Conscious Citizens, Awula Serwah, has urged Ghana to declare a state of emergency in response to height of pollution of water resources.
She highlighted that Ghanaians are not doing enough to address the widespread contamination of water bodies caused by illegal mining activities.
Mrs. Serwah also emphasized that even clear-looking water might contain toxic chemicals. Concurrently, the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) in the Central Region has reported significant water supply issues in Cape Coast, Elmina, and nearby areas.
These problems are mainly due to a lack of raw water at the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant, exacerbated by pollution from illegal mining, which has drastically reduced the amount of water available from the Pra River for treatment.
Speaking on the JoyNews AM show, Mrs. Serwah stated, “You still have the mercury and cyanide. They are colourless, so you are sort of deceived when you see clear water. At least when it’s brown, you can notice, but when it is clear, you are deceived into thinking that it is safe, when it might not be; it might be quite dangerous.
“So, I think the time has come for Ghanaians to march to the Flagstaff House and say we need to declare a state of emergency or call a general strike. Until a state of emergency is declared, the army should go and police these areas, make arrests, and prosecute offenders. Until we begin to take the matter seriously, nothing should proceed.”
Mrs. Serwah emphasized that citizens are being lethally affected by pollution, while those in positions of authority are not taking sufficient measures.
She also highlighted the bravery of journalists who have risked their lives to report on these problems and underscored the urgent need for immediate intervention.
“We need to all march to Flagstaff House and say we are not going to sit or stand idle while we are being poisoned.”