Tano Basin is in danger

The activities of people are putting the Tano Basin in danger, which may have rippling effects on the lives of many who depend on it for their livelihood.

The Tano Basin is one of the principal basins of the south-western river system of Ghana, which spans across the Brong Ahafo, Ashanti and Western regions. The Tano Basin Secretariat and its Board were set up in 2012 to manage and co-ordinate the sustainable utilisation of the water resources in the Basin.

The Tano Basin Officer, Solomon Kwaku Danso Ankamah, revealed this in Sunyani during a workshop organised by Water and Resources Commission to empower journalists to write more environmental stories, especially on water.

According to Mr Ankama, the population increases, together with intensified urbanisation, is creating increased water demands and run-off, causing more pollution to the Tano Basin.

He also identified legal and illegal mining of gold and other minerals, as well as clay mining within the basin as a major problem affecting the Tano Basin.

The cutting down of trees within the buffer zone, as well as building of structures by people were identified as activities affecting the basin.

He noted that as a result of these problems there is inadequate water supply to meet the demand for domestic, commercial, agricultural and industrial purposes.

“For instance, big centres like Techiman, Sunyani, Bibiani and Berekum experience water shortages, especially during the dry seasons,” Mr Ankama revealed.

The Public Relations Officer of the Water Resources Commission, Mrs Adwoa Dako, urged the journalists to do more stories related to the environment, especially stories related to water.

Mrs Dako said a list of water issues such as pollution, water quality, water stress, water scarcity, and water conflicts must be well understood to be effectively reported on by journalists.

She further urged the journalists to turn everyday issues into enterprise stories by considering all other perspectives such as economic, political and social impact of the story.

She further called on journalists in the Brong Ahafo Region to help educate the residents of the region on the need to protect the Tano Basin.