Environment ministry taking steps to combat spread of algae

Accra (Greater Accra), 23rd April

The Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST) on Friday said action is being taken to address the problem of the appearance of algae, a greenish substance, along the coastline of the Western region.

A statement issued in Accra said in 1993, the attention of the then Environmental Protection Council was drawn to the appearance of the substance and investigations conducted identified the material as an alga, a type of sea weed.

"Owing to its nature, the material is described as algal bloom. The bloom only flourished during the dry season and in a nutritionally rich marine environment." It said the bloom extended from the western coastline of the country westwards into Cote d'Ivoire and disappeared during the rainy season.

Investigations further revealed that there were economic activities within Ghana's side of the area which could lead to the high nutrient levels observed in the marine environment.

In addition to the scientific studies, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also had socio-economic studies undertaken to assess the possible impact of algal bloom on communities in the area.

The statement said EPA has since been monitoring its behaviour to determine the best way to manage it in a sustainable manner.

It said the studies led to the conclusion that fishing was adversely affected by the bloom leading to economic loss to the communities.

"The general conclusion from these studies indicates that the problem could be described as being of trans-boundary in nature with its likely source being the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire."

The statement said visits to the area confirmed that this year the substance had not appeared as it had done in the previous years.

The statement said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to liaise with the government of Cote d'Ivoire to find a lasting solution to the problem in view of its trans-boundary nature.

It assured the public, especially the affected communities, that MEST is mindful of the linkage between environmental issues and social and economic activities and it will do everything possible to ensure that this and other similar problems are addressed in a holistic manner.