Ashaiman: Nii Annan Adjor II, the Ashaiman regent, has raised concerns about the increasing pollution of the Ashaiman irrigation dam reservoir caused by encroachers on the scheme's farmlands. He highlighted that individuals have constructed buildings close to the reservoir and discharged waste water into it, posing health risks to the community.
According to Ghana News Agency, Nii Adjor addressed these concerns during a groundbreaking ceremony by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), for the rehabilitation of the scheme. He questioned the feasibility of Ashaiman feeding the nation when the dam meant for crop irrigation was being contaminated. He explained that the waste mixes with the water used for irrigation, making it unsuitable for crops.
Nii Adjor mentioned that he previously reported the issue to the Ministry a few years ago, but no action was taken, and the situation has deteriorated. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, he organized cleanup exercises to clear the area and prevent waste dumping into the dam. However, he noted that these efforts ceased, and the authorities have not continued them.
He urged the management to recognize the importance of the irrigation scheme for the people of Ashaiman and called for its protection to benefit those who rely on it for their livelihood. Nii Adjor suggested forming a task force to safeguard the reservoir and prevent pollution, particularly on the heavily encroached right bank side.
Despite the potential for aquaculture, the dam's current state renders it unsuitable for such activities. Nii Adjor appealed for stakeholder collaboration to find a lasting solution to protect the water. He proposed planting trees along the dam's banks and installing filters to treat water before it enters the reservoir.
Nii Adjor recalled that the reservoir once supported a variety of aquatic life, but pollution has led to their decline. He cautioned farmers against leasing land for constructing wooden structures and renting them out. Moreover, he emphasized the need for traditional leaders to be involved in the management of the scheme, as is customary in other regions.
The Ashaiman irrigation scheme, established decades ago, provides farmland for numerous farmers growing vegetables, maize, and rice. However, persistent encroachment has impeded its operations and diminished the agricultural potential of the area.
