Water they say is life, which implies there is no life without water. God knowing the importance of water for humankind, concentrated on creating different kinds of water as recorded in Genesis 1:1-13. Water makes up about 70% of the human body and the earth surface. These confirms that water is one of the greatest natural resources God has giving us. Hence, from the day we are born to the day we return to our maker, water ought to be treasured, conserved and sacred until eternity. Just as we inherited it from our ancestors, generations after us should come and enjoy this gift of life.
In Ghana, as with many African countries, our disregard for water bodies has led to many water related diseases and illnesses resulting in death and economic hardship. To get clean river or stream water in Ghana especially in Accra, it is almost impossible; as most of its rivers and streams have turned into gutters choked with electronic, plastics, solid and liquid wastes. This pollution of our rivers and streams are link to rapid urbanization coupled with poor planning and bad attitudes of some Ghanaians. In the past, there were taboos that prevented us from doing certain kind of things, because of its long-term effects. What has happened to those taboos associated with river pollution that our grandparents use to tell us? Or, too much of western education has made us think those taboos are jokes and must be ignored? NO, I don’t think so! I think it is the lack of direction from our leaders and reinforcement of negative attitudes by Ghanaians. Until we change our attitudes and our leaders sit up and crack the whip where necessary; we will continue to fight the war against malaria and waterborne related diseases with our limited income.
A major river that drains Accra is the Odaw River. It flows from the Abokobi and Adjankote hills through Ashongman, Atomic, West Legon, Achimota, Alajo, Avenor, Agbogbloshie down to the Korle Lagoon into the sea. Unfortunately, its beauty from the source to the Korle Lagoon is an eyesore. Communities along these areas defecate and dump rubbish into the river and anytime it rains, the communities become flooded because the river is silted and choked. I think authorities should take bold decisions to stop the environmental degrading activities that take place along this riverbank. Consequently, restoring the beauty of the Odaw River and bring to a stop its accompanying flooding issues.
If you may recall, In January 2010, the Earth Institute of Columbia University in partnership with Accra Metropolitan Authority (A.M.A) declared Accra a Millennium City. The aim is to accelerate development in the areas of education, health, sanitation and economic well-being in Accra. This commendable initiative by the two institutions, I think should incorporate behavioural changes in the people. In my view, ‘The Millennium City’ cannot be worthwhile and will remain a mere declaration, as it seems to be four years on, if the behaviour of the people remains unchanged. A.M.A therefore, should bring back the town council and sanitation health inspectors to undertake public education and campaign to ensure sanity in the capital especially those living along streams and rivers now turned into gutters. The authorities should also encourage communal labour, which were effective years ago. This will serve as a self-policing measure in cleaning and maintaining the streams and the environment. To ensure its success, the inspectors should be well trained, selfless, and incorruptible and enforce the laws. The Government should also take bold decision to relocate residents close to river bodies especially the Odaw River.
In South Korea Lee Myung-bak then Mayor of Seoul, transform the Ceonggyecheon River, into a beautiful recreational space for the people. The river once covered with concrete for half a century because of heavy pollution. Just as in South Korea, Accra can become beautiful if city authorities take bold decisions to restore our dead streams and rivers. Ghanaians as well, must put up positive behavioural attitudes to the environment. Yes, people will criticize it for personal and political gain, but Ghana is bigger than anybody’s personal or political interest as we stand to gain at the end. Temperatures will fall just as in Seoul temperatures went down by 3.6 degree Celsius. Accra’s perennial flooding will be no more. Nature will itself beautify Accra, attracting tourists and nature loving people. David Brower, the famous environmentalist advices, ‘we must begin thinking like a river if we are to leave a legacy of beauty and life for future generations.’ Yes! We can bring back our dead rivers to life for our future generation.
BY: FRANK HENRY BONSI