Why Was River Wardens Not Deployed After Recruitment?

The latest uproar, regarding the wanton destruction and pollution of water bodies across the country, due to activities of illegal mining, also known as galamsey, has left a section of the public, asking the whereabouts of river wardens recruited by the government sometime in 2022.

The river wardens, were expected to protect the country’s river bodies and help save them from further destruction, as part of the sustained efforts at fighting the galamsey menace.

The First batch of 100 river wardens out of 300 who were trained, successfully completed their course after a four-week intensive pre-deployment training at the Eastern Naval Command in Tema, using state resources.

But two years on, The Anchor, has picked up information that, the laudable initiative under the auspices of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has not been implemented as planned, leaving the recruited personnel to languish at home without being deployed.

It is, however, unclear, what may have caused government’s failure to implement the policy, which some have described as very laudable and well-thought out.

May are of the view, a successful deployment of the river wardens to some of the water bodies, could have lessen the impact of the ongoing senseless destruction of these water bodies being witnessed.

This paper is informed, several countries across the globe, including Brazil, Argentina, Peru, where mining activities take place, have all adopted the concept of river wardens, where it worked for them.

Through the training, they have been equipped with swimming techniques, water confidence, boat handling, classroom work, practical demonstrations, physical training and drills.

The Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, Commodore Emmanuel Ayesu Kwafo, during the passing-out, said the initiative was a valuable addition to the many efforts to curb illegal mining.

Recall, the passing-out ceremony was led on behalf of the government by the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, in charge of Mines, George Mireku Duker.

In his remark during the passing out. he said, the training was to develop their swimming, water confidence and boat handling techniques, which were achieved through classroom lectures, practical demonstrations, physical training and drills.

The Deputy Minister, highlighted the training of the wardens underscored the government’s determination to fight illegal mining and build a responsible, viable and sustainable industry that would be beneficial to the state and the investment community.

State Of Emergency

Meanwhile, there are growing calls on President Akufo-Addo, to declare a state of emergency on water bodies nationwide as a measure to deal with the severe pollution of the waters.

The Coordinator for Eco-Conscious Citizens, Awula Serwah, as well as a former Chairman of National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Prof Stephen Adei, believe the declaration of a state of emergency is the way to go.

In the view of Awula Serwah, she said Ghanaians are not taking enough action, despite the widespread contamination of water bodies by illegal mining activities.

Mrs. Serwah, also pointed out that even if the water looks clear, toxic chemicals may still be present.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) in the Central Region, has reported serious water supply problems in Cape Coast, Elmina, and surrounding areas.

The issue stem primarily from insufficient raw water at the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant, which has been worsened by pollution from illegal mining leading to a significant reduction in the amount of water available from the Pra River for treatment.

Speaking on JoyNews AM show, Mrs Serwah said, “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, asserted that citizens are being poisoned to death, with those in power failing to take adequate action.

She also pointed out that journalists, have put their lives at risk to report these issues and stressed the need for urgent 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.”

Source: Anchorghana.com