76% of Ghanaians at risk of drinking polluted water - UMaT Don

**Prof. Anthony Ewusi Highlights Water Conservation at World Water Day Event**

Prof. Anthony Ewusi is a lecturer at UMaT. He is also the Dean of the Faculty of Geosciences and Environmental Studies. He stressed the need to conserve water bodies for sustainable management.

Despite efforts, millions in Ghana still lack safe water. Many water bodies are polluted and unreliable. Prof. Ewusi noted that 76% of Ghanaians risk drinking contaminated water and faecal matter. This indicates poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water, contributing to 80% of diseases in the country.

He spoke at a Stakeholders Durbar on World Water Day in Tarkwa, Western Region. The event was organized by UMaT and the Water Resources Commission, with support from Gold Fields Ghana Foundation. The theme was “Glacier Preservation,” highlighting glaciers as vital freshwater sources.

UMaT has celebrated World Water Day for four years, focusing on conservation and sustainable management. Prof. Ewusi mentioned that the Bonsa River supplies Tarkwa Municipality's water but is not sustainable. As a result, people rely on boreholes and hand-dug wells.

He expressed concern about diminishing underground water levels due to illegal mining activities. These activities affect water levels in areas like Atuabo and UMaT Basic School.

A previous study by UMaT found that an abandoned mine owned by Gold Fields could supply Tarkwa's water needs. He urged Gold Fields to treat this water for public consumption, emphasizing wise usage of resources.

Wisdom Adjei Mensah from Ghana Manganese Company discussed local communities' role in conserving water. He highlighted that population growth, industrial activities, deforestation, pollution, and climate change pressure water resources.

Communities must develop effective ways to protect these resources, such as rainwater harvesting. This can reduce dependency on groundwater during dry seasons.

Abdel Razak Yakubu from Gold Fields Ghana Foundation praised UMaT for addressing national water issues. He questioned why Gold Fields can treat river water within its concession but not outside it.

Gold Fields operates under regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for sustainable growth. The Foundation has dug 117 boreholes and established over 48 Small Town Water Supply Systems in local communities.

Yakubu noted that local teams have successfully dug additional boreholes to serve communities and schools for free.

This year’s World Water Day includes launching seven new projects by the Foundation at Damang. They plan to dig more than 100,000 liters of water for community distribution through 200 households.

“We must protect our existing water sources,” Yakubu concluded, emphasizing that “water is life.”