PEPEDAN AND DWUMAKRO, A SUBURB OF BEKWAI

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to present discussions and findings that transpired between WRO (World Renewers Organization) and the people of Pepedan and Dwumakro a suburb of Bekwai. Discussions that took place between the chief and the organization was to find out how WRO can be of help to the community, since majority of people within the town had moved due to one or two reasons. Results showed that the major concerns of the people were infrastructure and source of water. This lead to the discussion of WRO with the chief’s to know the way forward on how to support the community as an organization to materialize their potentials.

Introduction

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have come to play a significant role in Ghana in recent years. World Renewers Organization, as a non-governmental organization held talks with the chief of Dwumakro to hold discussions concerning his community. He brought to our notice the problems facing the people of Dwumakro. He said, the people who came to occupy his lands to help revamp his community but ended up destroying their waters and lands.

Problem Identified and solution

Results showed that water is a major problem for the community. Gallons are erected most often in order to get rain drops since water is scarce. Residents within the community have to travel several kilometers in order to get access to portable water.

Fig 1.0 • Compound house without proper housing facilities .

Structures found at Dwumakro

Fig 1.1 • We made some donation on our journey and the people were very grateful .

Buildings found at the community are very disturbing. Residents within the township duel in these houses. WRO intends reconstructing newly made structures for people who live within the community. WRO also, discussed with the chief and his members wells will be constructed for them, this in a way will persuade those who have left to other villages to come back. Also, since residents solely depend on farming as their primary occupation, WRO intends collaborating with companies outside the country to set up mini-factories to help revamp the activities in the community.

World Renewers Organization donating water to Dwumakro people

Fig 1.2 • Destroyed river in the country Ghana due to illegal mining .

WRO donated bags of sachet water . The source of water for Dwumakro community have been polluted due to the illegal mining activities of the people . The chief and his members present were thankful for what WRO has done.

Rivers destroyed at Dwumakro Township due to illegal mining

Fig 1.3 • Destroyed river in the country Ghana due to illegal mining .

Water plays a significant role in our lives and yet it has no value, the value of water is minimal as compared to the important role it plays in our lives. Water plays a major role in our daily lives including the few under listed;

1. For washing

2. For cleaning

3. For consumption by either drinking or used in the preparation of food

4. Used by our industries to aid production (as a factor of production)

5. To aid medication at the hospitals etc

Currently our water bodies face a greater challenge posed by the activities of illegal mining activities within the country. The rate at which our water bodies are drying up gives the nation a scary signal that if appropriate measures are not taken to secure our water bodies, the nation may be importing water in the next 8 to 10 years. It would be quite unreasonable to sit unconcerned to finally see our water bodies dry up.

Importing water in addition to what we already import would be disastrous considering our current exchange rate problem of the cedi depreciation as against the dollar. As evidence, few among the places whose water bodies have been affected include:

Western Region

In the Western Region, the main water bodies that have been affected and polluted by galamsey operators include the River Pra, Daboase, and River Ankobra. Galamsey happen to be the major source of employment for residents residing close to these water bodies. Thus there is no doubt that water bodies within this region are found to be dried up and some polluted.

Eastern Region

The main water body in the Eastern Region that has been polluted is Birim. Treatment Plants in Kyebi , which were meant for water treatment had to be shut down due to pollution of the Birim river which is beyond treatment.

Upper West Region

In the Upper West Region, the Black Volta is also polluted, forcing the Ghana Water Company to get a new water treatment plant to produce safe drinking water. “In the Upper West Region, we have a new treatment plant that will supply water to the Wa Municipality. The Black Volta is also currently disturbed as a result of galamsey operation.

Brong Ahafo Region

The situation is even worse in the Brong Ahafo Region, where residents have, according to reliable source blocked the “course of the river at certain intervals such that the water is unable to flow into some areas.” This situation is particularly endemic in Sunyani. Not too long ago, we all heard of the lack of water in Sunyani. Sources revealed that in the Central Region, some water bodies specifically at Cape Coast have been polluted as a result of galamsey activities.

Water being a basic necessity can’t be done away with, the activities of galamsey and the undeniable effect it is having on our water bodies is culpable of leading to environmental disaster as it has already started, conflict brought about by inequality in terms of distribution of water as it is being witnessed at Sunyani, war and consequently the future importation of water to satisfy our daily demands. The perpetuators must be made to pay for the cost of externalities brought about by this activity by compensating to the various communities and areas they operate either by providing pipe-borne water and better treatment plants that ensure proper processing and diverting good drinkable water to the indigenes. We don’t only need water to be quantitatively sufficient to meet the demands of Ghanaians, water is also needed to be quality to promote good health and wellbeing. Without a hygienic and safe drinking water, we can’t be promised of a disease free lifestyle and environment.

It is about time the big men in politics who are rather influencing the activities of galamsey realize the effect of this operation on the environment and our human life. The country needs to take a bold step to totally eradicate illegal mining from the face of our country. Our water needs to be protected for our wellbeing and that of the future generation .