The Ghana Water Resource Commission (GWRC) has called for the proper management of waste water to ensure the protection of people and their environment.
The commission which made this known at a media launch of the 2017 World Water Day celebration in Accra disclosed that the proper management of waste water could help to provide valuable resources such as biogas, organic fertilizer and treated water for irrigation not only for farms, but also of landscapes, public parks and residential lawns.
This year’s celebration was under the theme: ‘Water And Waste Water’.
Waste water contains high concentration of pollutants and its haphazard disposal impacts negatively on the environment and human health.
Currently, Ghana lacks adequate waste water treatment systems and majority of households and communities lack basic sanitation facilities.
“This year’s theme will provide an important opportunity to learn more about how waste water is perceived as a valuable resource in the circular economy and its safe management as an efficient investment in the health of humans and ecosystems,” a brief from the GWRC added.
Adwoa Dako, Public Relations Officer (PRO) at the Water Resource Commission, in an address said, “The objectives for the national celebration this year was to raise public awareness about the interdependence between water and waste water in the quest for sustainable development.”
She added that the celebration was to educate the public on the importance of considering waste water as a valuable resource that requires safe management.
In the wake of the country’s 60th anniversary, the National Planning Committee of the World Water Day celebration would focus on media campaign which would include media briefings on waste water and drinking water quality, safe disposal of sewage and faecal sludge, as well as waste water disposal and aquatic biodiversity.
World Water Day (WWD) is celebrated annually by the international community on March 22 to draw attention to the importance of freshwater and advocate the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
The day was instituted in 1992 by the United Nations to draw global attention to the importance of water as a vital resource to life.
By Abigail Owiredu-Boateng & Cleopatra Nonum