The Regional Chief Manager of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Ing. Emmanuel Johnson, has expressed deep concern over the harmful effects of sand winning, effluent discharge, and other destructive human activities on the Densu River, which houses the Weija Dam.
According to Ing. Johnson, discussions around water pollution in Ghana often focus on illegal mining (galamsey), but other human activities also pose significant threats to the country’s water bodies.
Speaking to students and teachers from Odorgonno Senior High School during an educational tour of the Weija Treatment Plant as part of World Water Day 2025, he stated: “We hear about illegal mining and galamsey almost daily in Ghana, so one might think that is the only challenge affecting our water bodies.
However, apart from galamsey, other human activities—such as sand winning in rivers, discharging effluents into water bodies, and unorthodox fishing methods—are equally harmful. The Densu River, which supplies water to the Weija Dam, suffers serious pollution from these activities, not just from galamsey.”
He highlighted that every Ghanaian has a duty to protect the country’s water resources. “Those directly involved in polluting our water bodies and those who remain indifferent must all take responsibility. Every action—no matter how small—towards water conservation and environmental protection makes a difference.”
Encouraging the students to be future leaders and custodians of the environment, he said: “We invited you here with the hope of making you water ambassadors from a young age, so you can correct the mistakes of the older generation. Take keen interest in what you learn today—understanding how water is treated and supplied will help you appreciate its value and inspire you to advocate for water conservation.”
World Water Day 2025
World Water Day is an annual United Nations observance day held on March 22nd to highlight the importance of freshwater conservation and the sustainable management of water resources worldwide.
The theme for World Water Day 2025 is ‘Glacier Preservation’, emphasizing the critical role glaciers play in the global water cycle. While glaciers may not be a direct concern for Ghana, the broader message of preserving freshwater resources remains relevant.
