The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has urged Ghanaians to become the “custodians of their rivers,” stating that government alone cannot reverse the environmental decline threatening Ghana’s water systems.
Speaking at the launch of World Rivers Day in Accra, the Minister called for a nationwide shift in mindset and collective responsibility. “Water belongs to the people and people must be at the centre of solutions. We will intensify public education campaigns to change behaviour and promote water conservation.”
He added that traditional leaders, civil society organisations and youth groups must all play a role in safeguarding the country’s water bodies. “Traditional leaders will be empowered as custodians of rivers in their communities. Civil society and youth movements will be engaged as watchdogs and innovators.”
The Minister stressed the importance of seeing rivers not just as resources but as sacred legacies. “When citizens see rivers as sacred treasures, not dumping sites, we will have won half the battle.”
Hon. Adjei noted that citizen action, political will and international solidarity are all needed to reverse the damage done to Ghana’s rivers. “No government can succeed in the protection of rivers and water resources without strong national partnerships.”
He added that rivers are more than bodies of water. “Our rivers are not just sources of water. They are ecosystems that sustain life. Protecting them means protecting our future.”
Ending his address with a rallying call, the Minister declared, “Together, we will protect our rivers. Together, we will secure our water future.”
