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Okomfo Nana Baffour Gyau, the spiritual leader of Asuo Pamuu Spiritual and Herbal Home in Sefwi Abofrem, has called on the government to officially dedicate a national World Water Day to emphasize the importance of protecting the country’s water bodies. The call was made during his impassioned address at the 14th Yam Festival held in Bibiani Old Town in the Ashanti Region, where he highlighted the crucial role of water in sustaining life.
In his speech, Okomfo Baffour Gyau reminded the large audience of community members, chiefs, and government officials that water is vital for the survival of both humans and wildlife, making its conservation a shared responsibility. He warned that the nation’s rivers, lakes, and streams are under increasing threat from illegal mining, pollution, and deforestation, which continue to degrade these critical resources.
“Water is life,” the traditional priest said. “Our rivers, lakes, and streams provide us with sustenance, yet they are under constant threat from destructive human activities. We must dedicate a special day to remind ourselves of how vital water is to our survival, not just for ourselves, but for future generations. Such a day would also serve to inspire the younger generation to understand the importance of preserving our water resources.”
Okomfo Baffour Gyau’s call for a national water protection day comes at a time when Ghana is grappling with the significant environmental damage caused by illegal mining activities, such as galamsey, which has led to the contamination of many water bodies. These activities, coupled with deforestation and poor waste management, have resulted in the pollution and depletion of water sources across the country, impacting communities that rely on them for drinking, farming, and fishing.
The spiritual leader stressed the urgent need for a collective national effort to address the challenges facing Ghana’s water resources. He urged the government, community leaders, and citizens to collaborate in enforcing water protection laws and to adopt sustainable practices that will help safeguard the nation’s water bodies.
“We need to educate our people about the long-term effects of pollution on our environment and on future generations,” Okomfo Baffour Gyau continued. “We must not wait until it is too late. Our actions today will determine the future of our water resources. By adopting sustainable practices and supporting water protection initiatives, we can ensure that clean, safe water remains available for all Ghanaians.”
The traditional priest’s comments were echoed by several community leaders and participants at the festival, who expressed their commitment to supporting efforts aimed at water conservation. The 14th Yam Festival, an annual cultural event in Bibiani Old Town, provided an opportunity to discuss not only the rich traditions of the community but also pressing environmental issues such as water protection.
Okomfo Baffour Gyau also highlighted the importance of traditional leaders in promoting environmental conservation, urging them to use their influence to encourage their communities to protect natural resources, including water bodies. He noted that while modern approaches to conservation are important, traditional knowledge and practices have a valuable role to play in safeguarding the environment.
As part of his vision for World Water Day, the spiritual leader proposed that it be a day for national reflection, awareness campaigns, and community mobilization to protect the nation’s water bodies. He expressed hope that through education and action, Ghana could make significant strides toward the sustainable management of its water resources.
In conclusion, Okomfo Baffour Gyau reiterated that protecting water is not only an environmental issue but a moral and cultural responsibility. He called on all Ghanaians to take pride in preserving their natural resources and to play an active role in ensuring that future generations can enjoy clean, accessible water.
The call for a national World Water Day has sparked a conversation across the country, with many agreeing that such an initiative would go a long way in raising awareness about the importance of water conservation and environmental protection.
By Simon Opoku Afriyie
