Former Minister for Public Enterprises, Joseph Cudjoe, has urged that Ghana’s major rivers be classified and declared as critical national security assets to safeguard them from destruction and pollution.
He argued that protecting these vital water resources is essential for the nation’s survival and development.
“I suggest that the following rivers, as well as all rivers with water treatment plants and irrigation systems, should be declared critical national security assets and placed under the protection of a specialised security force or the regular military for continuous safeguarding,” Mr. Cudjoe stated. He added that any harmful activities around these rivers should be treated as acts of aggression against the state and met with a firm security response.
Among the rivers he recommended for priority protection are the Volta, Black Volta, White Volta, Pra, Ankobra, Tano, and Densu, along with all rivers that host water treatment facilities.
Mr. Cudjoe noted that these water bodies are indispensable for agriculture, hydroelectric power generation, transportation, and drinking water supply.
“Several countries, including the United States, China, India, Brazil, Egypt, and Israel, have already taken similar measures to secure their river systems,” he added.
He further emphasised that if the proposal is backed by law and supported with a dedicated budget, it would not only curb illegal mining (galamsey) but also provide a lasting solution to river pollution.
“We may face disapproval from those mining in and around the rivers, but many Ghanaians will welcome this decisive step, knowing that government is tackling the menace head-on,” Mr. Cudjoe asserted.
Source: Ernest Arhinful
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