Accra: Dr. Osman Tahidu Damba, the Secretary-General of the Ghana Commission for UNESCO, has called upon the government of Ghana to invest in science and innovation to ensure year-round access to clean water throughout the country. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding water resources to ensure their preservation and sustainability.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Tahidu Damba made these remarks during a public forum marking the 50th Anniversary of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP). The theme of the golden jubilee celebration was "Science for a Secure Water World in a Changing Environment," highlighting the critical role of translating scientific knowledge into actionable solutions to address global water challenges.
Mr. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, the Minister of Works, Housing and Water Resources, in a speech read on his behalf, urged traditional authorities, academia, and civil society organizations to join public campaigns promoting sustainable water practices across Ghana. He expressed concern about the alarming rate of water pollution due to illegal mining activities and called for collaborative efforts among stakeholders in the water management system to adopt a scientific approach to sanitizing water resources.
Professor Seidu Mahama Alidu, Executive Secretary of the Water Resources Commission and chair of the Ghana Committee for UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), highlighted UNESCO's contributions to water resource management in Ghana since 1975. He noted the importance of aligning national interests with global objectives to ensure every household has access to clean water.
The Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme, part of the United Nations system, is dedicated to water research, management, and related education capacity development, supporting and developing resilient societies. Out of 196 UNESCO countries, the IHP operates in 170, with Ghana's Water Resources Commission serving as the focal institution, supported by 14 other organizations.
As the IHP marks five decades, the Ghana Committee aims to commemorate its success and raise awareness, enhance education, and engage youth, women, and stakeholders within Ghana's water community. Some past chairpersons of the Ghana Committee for Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme were awarded for their meritorious service to the nation.
