Armah-Kofi Buah Vows to Restore Ghana's Polluted Water Bodies as Lands and Natural Resources Minister
Accra, Ghana - 27 Jan, 2025 - Ghana's Minister-Designate for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced a sweeping plan to tackle the country's severe environmental challenges.
The initiative, dubbed the Blue Water Initiative, aims to restore polluted water bodies and transform affected areas into thriving ecological and economic hubs.
Mr. Buah, who appeared before Parliament's Appointments Committee, emphasized the need for urgent action to address the devastating impact of illegal mining on Ghana's environment. He highlighted the alarming levels of pollution in the country's rivers and streams, which have been contaminated with hazardous chemicals used in unsanctioned mining operations.
According to him, the Blue Water Initiative is a key component of the government's efforts to reverse the damage caused by illegal mining and restore Ghana's natural resources. The project will focus on rehabilitating polluted water sources, promoting sustainable land use practices, and supporting community-led conservation initiatives.
In addition to the Blue Water Initiative, Mr. Buah announced plans for the Tree for Life Initiative, a major afforestation and reforestation program aimed at restoring Ghana's severely depleted forest cover. The initiative will help to mitigate the effects of illegal logging, mining, and agricultural expansion, and promote sustainable forest management practices.
“We have some initiatives that will help us heal the wounds of our country,” Mr. Buah stated. “Our forest, which is the heart of our survival, has been completely damaged and devastated. The Blue Water Initiative seeks to heal and harness the areas degraded by illegal mining into hubs of economic and ecological recovery.”
“We are also going to do Tree for Life Initiative by intensifying afforestation and we will encourage afforestation across Ghana,” he added.
Source: Florence Kyei/ Lead News Online
