'Desist from dumping refuse into water bodies'

Nana Dwomoh Sarpong, an environmental advocate, has said that the indiscriminate disposal of waste into drains and water channels continued to block the free flow of water. Speaking to Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview in Kumasi, Nana Sarpong said human activities such as dumping garbage into waterways and encroaching on drainage systems significantly contribute to flood disasters, destruction of property and loss of lives. He advised people engaged in the act to desist from dumping refuse in water bodies and gutters to prevent flooding as the rains set in.

Nana Sarpong stressed that keeping water bodies clean was a shared responsibility and not solely the duty of government agencies. He called on citizens to adopt responsible sanitation practices, warning that pollution of rivers and streams posed serious health risks, affected water supply and threatened aquatic life. He called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to intensify public education and strictly enforce sanitation by-laws to curb the menace. He appealed to community leaders, opinion leaders and traditional authorities to take active roles in educating residents on proper waste management practices, especially in flood-prone areas.

Nana Sarpong indicated that local assemblies must also collaborate with sanitation companies to ensure regular waste collection to prevent residents from resorting to indiscriminate dumping. He underscored the need for the provision of adequate waste bins in communities, markets and public places to make it easier for people to dispose of refuse appropriately. He also called on schools and youth groups to incorporate environmental education into their activities to instill a sense of responsibility in the younger generation.