High-ranking inter-ministerial delegations from Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire have gathered in Accra to discuss strategies to safeguard shared water resources, forest cover, and land.
Finding long-term and sustainable solutions to the impact of illegal small-scale mining in Ghana on transboundary water resources between Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire, which is alleged to be having negative effects on Cote d'Ivoire's production of potable water and agriculture, is a key topic of discussion.
basin of the Bia-Tano River.
According to information accessible to both nations, the Ivorians get their water from the Bia and Tano rivers. Nevertheless, pollution brought on by unauthorized small-scale mining operations in the nation is damaging the Abidjan Lagoon, which has become a major issue for the Ivorians.
Because two of Côte d'Ivoire's hydropower-producing dams are located on the Bia River, the pollution also poses a danger to the nation's hydropower supplies.
Samuel Abu Jinapor, the minister of lands and natural resources, and Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the minister of sanitation and water resources, are co-hosting the three-day transboundary summit.
Defense and Health are additional ministries on the Ghanaian side that are represented by either ministers or constable ministers.
The Ivorian delegation is headed by Laurent Tchagba, the minister of water and forests, and includes representatives from the defense and foreign affairs departments.
Prompting
Ms. Dapaah stated in her welcoming speech that the gathering was also intended to encourage good neighborliness because the two nations have many things in common.
Because two of Côte d'Ivoire's hydropower-producing dams are located on the Bia River, the pollution also poses a danger to the nation's hydropower supplies.
"Thus, it has become imperative that we conduct this bilateral meeting to talk about concerns relating to our water resources and, most importantly, to make choices that will protect our water bodies and other natural resources.
"We are aware that certain areas are carefully cared for, or preserved, while the other half is being disrupted. We won't wait for further issues to arise. She stated, "We want to stop them before they start.
Ms. Dapaah admitted that the Bia River's future will have a negative influence on Côte d'Ivoire's ability to generate hydropower.
Threat
When it was his turn to speak at the meeting, Mr. Jinapor warned that several threats, including unlawful small-scale mining, continued to threaten transboundary river bodies.
"The President is incredibly concerned, and he has been fighting tirelessly with his administration to safeguard water and other natural resources from risks like illicit small-scale mining," stated.
He said that to combat the threat, the nation has been using a two-pronged strategy that included reforming the mining industry and enforcing the law.
Critical
For his part, Mr. Tchagba said the matter at hand was a very significant one.
"We are consequently here to find long-term solutions to Ghana's unlawful mining operations, which are endangering the production of drinkable water and agriculture in my nation.
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