The Water Resources Commission has intensified efforts to promote water safety and environmental stewardship in the Atewa landscape, with a community-focused campaign held at Potroase.
The campaign, led by the Water Resources Commission as part of Water Safety Campaign activities, took the form of a large community durbar near the source of the Densu River. The river, which flows from the Atewa Forest through key towns including Koforidua, Nsawam, and Accra, remains a vital source of drinking water for millions, supplying a significant portion of the capital.
At the heart of the campaign was a strong call for community action to safeguard water bodies. Stakeholders emphasized that harmful upstream activities especially illegal mining, poor sanitation, and improper waste disposal have serious downstream consequences, including water pollution and supply disruptions.
Officials warned the public of increasing contamination in water sources, with reports of harmful substances such as bacteria, nitrates, and heavy metals posing risks to public health. Residents were therefore encouraged to adopt basic water safety practices, including boiling or treating drinking water, properly storing water, and improving sanitation to reduce diseases like cholera and dysentery.
Illegal small-scale mining, or galamsey, was identified as a major threat to the Densu Basin, with the use of toxic chemicals contributing to severe water pollution. However, community members were urged to report such activities and support enforcement efforts. Environmental degradation was also linked to increased flooding risks, highlighting the need to protect wetlands and restore river buffer zones.
The campaign placed strong emphasis on inclusive participation, particularly the role of women and youth in water governance. Speakers noted that women and girls are disproportionately affected by water scarcity and should be actively involved in decision-making processes.
To deepen awareness and encourage long-term behavioral change, the campaign featured a range of community-focused activities, including school debates, public education exercises, radio discussions, and environmental restoration projects such as tree planting and riverbank rehabilitation.
The traditional authorities pledged to support enforcement of environmental by-laws, while stakeholders called for sustained collaboration between government, civil society, and local communities to ensure lasting impact.
Organizers stressed that the initiative marks the beginning of a continuous, year-round effort rather than a one-time event. The Potroase campaign stands as a significant step in promoting water safety, protecting critical ecosystems, and securing sustainable access to clean water for present and future generations.
Participating organizations included A Rocha Ghana, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Forestry Commission, CONIWAS, and the Concerned Citizens of the Atewa Landscape, all of whom reiterated the urgent need to safeguard water bodies from unsustainable human activities.
