The highlight of the programme of activities at the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources for the week was the inauguration of a fourteen (14) member board for the Water Resources Commission by the Sector Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Hon Joseph Kofi Adda (MP).
The reconstituted board is under the chairmanship of CDR JC Addo (RTD). In his inaugural speech, Hon. Joseph Kofi Adda tasked the board to work hard to protect the nation’s water resources from pollution and environmental degradation.
Hon. Joseph Kofi Adda said the pollution of the nation’s water resources is a major concern for the government because of its effect on the quality of water for consumption and for industrial purposes; making it unwholesome for use.
He said the agenda of the government for the water sector is to provide safe, accessible and affordable water to all in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
He advised the board to work closely with the Ghana Water Co. Ltd and Community Water and Sanitation Agency.
The Sector Minister however reminded them that their task supersedes that of the other two Agencies because they are to ensure all the nation’s water bodies are safe.
Hon. Joseph Kofi Adda said Ghana is blessed with abundance of water resources and as he put it “we must all work hard to ensure its safety and sustainability”.
He demanded from the board to be diligent when granting permits for the drilling of boreholes.
Touching on the relevance of data to guide the government in the policy formulation for the water sector, the Sector Minister asked the board to scan the whole country, gather information for analysis which would inform government direction.
He also reminded than to take into consideration the interest of the neighbouring countries which have raised issues on pollution of their water bodies.
On behalf of the board, the chairman CDR JC Adoo (RTD) thanked the government for their appointment and appealed to stakeholders, media and all sundry to bring on board their advise and expertise to guide the work of the board.
He promised the board will work hard to justify the confidence reposed in it.
The Hon. Minister took the members to swear the Oath of office and Secrecy.
Other members of the board who were sworn in are; Mr. Ben Yaw Ampomah, Mr. Yendor Ziema Jacob, Mr. Worlanyo Kwadjo Siabi, Mr. Ernest Kusi- Minkah, Ing. Eugene Ada Asomontsi, Ing. Emmanuel Kofi Modzaka, Mr. Awupeyagi Ayilari- Naa Juati, Ing. Randford Sekyi, Mr. John McDonald Allotey, Mr. Collins Anim- Sackey, Togbe Gbogbolulu V, Dr. Margaret Duah Atuahene, Mr. Kwabena Owusu- Mensah.