Water Could Cause Another World War

Traditional authorities and politicians have been accused of being impediments to attempts at protecting water bodies.

According to Nana Agyepong Debrah, who is the General secretary of friends of rivers and water bodies, some traditional leaders sold lands near water bodies without giving consideration to what activity the land is to be used for . any attempts at making sure the right thing is done is seen as a challenge to their authority and is met with hostility.

Certain politicians too are guilty of conniving with land developers and helping them acquire lands near water bodies for construction works. Some also endorse the dumping of human excreta into rivers and streams which serve as drinking water for others downstream.

Nana Agyemang, who is also the Sompahene of Adum, a suburb of Kumasi urged the youth of the country to endeavor to protect water bodies since water can become extinct.

He cited a United Nation (UN) document that stated that water may become a scarce resource in the next twenty years.

“If there should be another world war, it will be over the use of water”, he emphasized.

The need for rain water harvesting was also stressed, saying that every house should have rain water harvesting facilities as a matter of policy as prevails in more developed countries. This according to him will help ease pressure on our water bodies and help protect as well as preserve them.

A friend of rivers and water bodies is an NGO formed twenty years ago with the sole aim of helping in environmental protection and advocacy.