In every corner of the globe, water bodies serve as vital sources of livelihood, healing, and recreation.
The serenity of a creek or the vastness of an ocean can offer moments of unparalleled wellness. Sadly, not every water body enjoys the same respect and care. Ghana, a nation of great potential and warm-hearted people, is grappling with a heartbreaking environmental crisis – the degradation of its water bodies.
The Beauty of Clean Waters:
Reflecting on personal experiences by pristine shores, where sea sand massages the feet and the mist of creek rocks brings refreshing coolness, it becomes apparent how integral clean water is to life’s most cherished moments. However, the shocking reality is that not all water bodies in Ghana share this purity. It is disheartening to witness the degradation through compelling photos, especially for those who may not be familiar with the issue outside the country.
A Glimpse of Disheartening Scenes:
Consider a visit to the Green Ranch lake front in Bosomtwe, where the anticipation of a sunrise spectacle is overshadowed by the sight of polluted waters. The sound of birds chirping is disrupted by the gentle dance of a polluted river. Such scenes are a stark reminder of the urgent need for change.
Lake Bosomtwe, Ghana
The Attitudinal Challenge:
The root cause of this environmental crisis lies in an attitudinal problem – the lack of respect and regard for water bodies. It’s easy to blame the government for inadequate sanitation measures, but it’s equally crucial to recognize that 50% of the responsibility lies with citizens.
Dumping trash into the sea and open defecation in water bodies are symptoms of an attitude that must change.
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A Shared Responsibility:
While discussing the issue with people outside Ghana, the disbelief is palpable. Questions like, “What is wrong with your people?” underline the urgent need for introspection. It’s not just a failure of leadership; it’s a collective failure that demands immediate attention. The plastic polluting these waters didn’t appear magically – it took human actions to turn water bodies into dumping sites.
A Call for Change:
The solution lies in a collective effort to clean up not only the physical mess but also the mental one. The images shared in this post illustrate that Ghana’s water bodies could be as pristine as any other, given the combination of active citizens and responsible leadership. It’s time for Ghanaians to reclaim the beauty of their water bodies and redefine the narrative.
Ghana is undeniably a great country with a warm and welcoming population, but the environmental challenges it faces are a stain on its reputation. By fostering a collective sense of responsibility and demanding more from both citizens and leaders, Ghana can reclaim the purity of its water bodies and set an example for the world. It’s time to stop breaking our hearts and start saving our water bodies for the sake of the present and future generations.
Well said Paa
This is too deep
Conservation and Ecology are words which are not being taken seriously here in Ghana, and that s an alarming verified fact.
Very true Elodie, thanks for all the efforts you do in keeping our water bodies and environment clean in the Ashanti region. What do you think can be done to make the necessary improvements?
Well illustrated my brother.
Keeping our water bodies and environment clean is a proactive and collective responsibility of it’s citizens and leaders. It’s a sad reality that it’s lacking.
We need the right leadership to enforce and to change mindsets.
Hopefully, this happens soon.