Nana Dwomo Sarpong Blames Chiefs …For Encroachment Of Wetlands In Ashanti

From Sebastian R. Freiku, Kumasi

 

FRIENDS OF rivers and water bodies, a Non-Governmental Organization, has expressed worry over the manner in which some traditional chiefs sell wetlands to private developers for buildings.

The President of the NGO, Nana Dwomoh Sarpong who raised the  concern during the observation of world wetlands day last Saturday February 2, pointed to human factor as a threat to the wetlands and other water bodies in the country.
He hinted that Ghana is likely to witness “serious drought” as experienced in 1983 following the current situation.

Nana Dwomo Sarpong also predicted that the country faced a serious disaster when the rains set in and explained that many buildings are standing in water ways which could result in flooding and outbreak of diseases.
According to him, the decrease of moisture in the soil, from diversion of streams and water bodies, has led to a reduction in underground water, which can aid the spread of siltation in the streams and lakes as a result of erosions.
He cited the failure and lack of political will by authorities in the various Metropolitan, Municipal and districts Assemblies (MMDA’s) to preserve the natural courses of water bodies in places that used to have streams.

The environmentalist has therefore urged the law enforcement agencies to be strict in sanctioning those who breach the law regarding preservation of water bodies

 

 

 

 

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