By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ho (V/R), March 27, GNA – The Desert Research Institute (DRI), a renowned U.S.-based Center for International Water and Sustainability, has held a stakeholder engagement on water sustainability and environmental conservation in Ho, Volta Region.
The event, held in Partnership with World Vision aimed at fostering sustainable partnerships to address water resource degradation and environmental challenges in Ghana.
Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, described the program as a demonstration of the shared commitment to tackling environmental and water challenges in Ghana and beyond.
“The Desert Research Institute, recognized globally for its cutting-edge research in environmental conservation and water sustainability, has made significant contributions to climate adaptation, water resource conservation, and desertification control,” he stated.
He noted that the Volta Region continued to face issues related to water security, land degradation, and climate-related risks.
He said this presented an opportunity to leverage scientific research and technological advancements to develop sustainable solutions.
“Our government, through the 2025 Budget and Policy Statement, has reaffirmed its commitment to investing in climate-resilient water supply systems and environmental protection. In line with this, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto emphasizes the importance of water accessibility, sanitation, and climate change adaptation as key development priorities,” he added.
Highlighting the significance of the region’s water bodies, including the Volta River, Keta Lagoon, and Dayi River, Mr. Gunu stressed the need for proactive measures to protect them from pollution, over-extraction, and environmental degradation.
“This requires a multi-stakeholder approach, community participation, and targeted research—precisely what today’s engagement seeks to achieve. Strong institutional collaboration is vital in ensuring sustainable water management, waste control, and ecological conservation,” he said.
Dr. Braimah Apambire, Senior Assistant to the President for Global Sustainable Initiatives and Senior Director at DRI’s Center for International Water and Sustainability, highlighted the significance of the engagement, noting that DRI has been supporting Ghana for over 30 years through capacity building and research, particularly in water resources and quality.
“The workshop aims to bring together key stakeholders to discuss water resource degradation, especially in light of illegal mining (galamsey), which poses a major threat to Ghana’s water systems,” he said.
Dr. Apambire emphasized that while Ghana has appropriate laws to combat illegal mining, enforcement remains a challenge.
He stressed the urgent need for government agencies and stakeholders to strengthen their efforts in tackling water resource degradation.
“The high levels of sedimentation caused by illegal mining have significantly increased the cost of water treatment in the country. We need to conduct scientific research that translates into practical solutions for communities, ensuring that people understand the real impact of environmental degradation and work together to combat this menace,” he stated.
Dr. Ato Quansah, Director for Partnership at the Community Water and Sanitation Agency, underscored the alarming rate of water pollution in Ghana and the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address the situation.
“Our population has tripled since 1975, doubling the demand for water. However, our available water resources are rapidly deteriorating. We need to come together with our partners to develop sustainable solutions for the future,” he noted.
He cited research indicating that 7,650 people die annually in Ghana due to water-related diseases, translating to 21 deaths per day. He emphasized that many of these fatalities could be prevented through improved water management.
“The current focus is on enforcement—deploying soldiers and implementing laws—but as sector players, we need to look at the concept of payment for environmental services and payment for water services. This means incentivising communities in upstream areas to conserve water sources, ensuring clean water flows downstream,” he explained.
Dr. Quansah suggested that instead of compelling people through regulations, a model should be developed to harmonize conservation efforts while ensuring a steady supply of clean water. He emphasised the importance of stakeholder dialogue in achieving this goal.
Mr. Stephen Kwaku Darku, President of Global Volunteers Corps, highlighted the role of volunteerism in addressing environmental challenges.
“When it comes to land reclamation, afforestation, and other conservation activities, volunteers play a critical role. This is why Global Volunteers Corps is partnering with institutions like DRI, World Vision, and government agencies to combat illegal mining, water pollution, and land degradation,” he said.
He called for greater collaboration between government, research institutions, and community-based organizations to safeguard Ghana’s water resources for future generations.
The engagement ended with stakeholders reiterating their commitment to implementing research-driven solutions and strengthening partnerships to ensure water security and environmental sustainability across Ghana.
The engagement brought together key industry players, representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and over 30 graduate students from the Desert Research Institute (DRI), along with other stakeholders.
GNA
MA/KOA