Ghana to experience water stress in 2025

Asuofua (Ash), July 24, GNA - Mrs Philomena Boakye Appiah, Ashanti Regional Programmes Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), says Ghana is listed among countries that would experience water stress of 1,700 cubic metres or less per person annually by 2025. She said in the recent past water scarcity which was at most temporary was now becoming pervasive and persistent and that the present water availability of 3,000 cubic metres per capita per annum was decreasing and was expected to decrease further.

Mrs Appiah was speaking at a durbar of chiefs and people of Asuofua in the Atwima District on Wednesday as part of activities marking the Ashanti Region launching of World Environmental Day celebration on the theme: "Water - A Vital Resource for Development." She said besides water scarcity, poor water resources management due to pollution and land degradation was undermining an already stressed base.

The Environmental Programme Officer said the theme for the celebration highlighted the centrality of water to sustainable development and human survival.

She said it also provided the opportunity for people to declare their individual support towards the global attempt to protect and conserve freshwater sources through its judicious use and not compromising on its quality and quantity.

''The protection of the environment is a precondition of a prosperous and healthy society.''