The Nsutamhene of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council in the Eastern Region, Nana Baafi Sarpong Kumakuma, has commended the government for the Blue Water Guard initiative aimed at tackling the devastating illegal mining activities, affecting livelihoods in various mining communities.
“The community that bears the name Nsutam, which means we are surrounded by rivers, the residents are now battling to get a cup of water to wash their faces.
“This demonstrates how terrible the situation has gotten. We do not need to be told that the future of the country is at risk,” he said.
The Nsutamhene was speaking at a town hall meeting organized by the Fanteakwa South District Assembly, led by the District Chief Executive, Mercy Korang, to render an account to her people in the past seven months since she assumed office.
The occasion was also used to inaugurate the Ghana Blue Water Guard and introduce them to community members.
Nana Sarpong
Nana Kumakuma used the occasion to commend the government’s efforts on the initiative, noting that it would help protect water bodies, which are under threat by galamseyers.
“President John Dramani Mahama has done well in training these young people to protect our rivers from being polluted by the illegal miners and I believe that they will deliver,” he expressed confidence in them.
He also appealed to the Fanteakwa South DCE to construct speed ramps on the newly built asphalt road, explaining that speeding vehicles have knocked down and killed many people in the area and have also made it difficult for schoolchildren to cross the road.
Mercy Korang, the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Fanteakwa South, stated that water bodies in Osino and its catchment areas are gradually becoming clean, and she is optimistic that with the support of the Ghana Blue Water Guard personnel, whose mandate is to protect them, and with time, they will regain their natural colour.
Mrs. Korang warned that anybody who dares to touch any personnel of the Blue Water Guard in the line of duty would be dealt with, stressing that they now belong to the government machinery.
The DCE assured residents that she would work hand in hand with security agencies in the district to provide the needed protection to enable the personnel discharge their duties professionally and help President John Mahama achieve the aim of reviving polluted water bodies
By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.
Source// Obohnewsonline.com.
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