Ghana International River Festival 2024: A Call to Protect Freshwater Resources

The tranquil banks of the Volta River provided the perfect backdrop for the launch of the 2024 Ghana International River Festival, an event that blended celebration with a vital call to action. The festival, themed "A Threat to Our Freshwater Resources," was marked by a powerful speech from Event Director Nufialaga Mawufemor Korbla Nornyibey, who highlighted the urgent need to protect Ghana’s rivers from the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, known locally as Galamsey.

In his opening address, Nornyibey emphasized the critical role that rivers play in the lives of Ghanaians, from supplying drinking water to supporting agriculture, sustaining biodiversity, and underpinning local economies. “These rivers are not just geographical features—they are central to our well-being and our future,” he said.

However, he lamented the destructive impact of illegal mining, which has increasingly polluted freshwater ecosystems across the country. He pointed out that illegal mining activities, particularly those involving harmful chemicals like mercury and cyanide, have contaminated rivers, causing water pollution and threatening aquatic life. "Rivers that once flowed clean and pure are now tainted with sediment, toxins, and heavy metals," Nornyibey stated.

The devastating effects of Galamsey go beyond pollution. Nornyibey also highlighted the erosion of riverbanks due to deforestation linked to mining activities, which causes sedimentation, blocks water flow, and reduces the replenishment of groundwater. Many communities, he warned, are already facing acute water shortages as a result.

In a somber moment, Nornyibey warned of the long-term impact on future generations. “If we do not take decisive action now, we risk leaving our children and grandchildren with a legacy of contaminated rivers, polluted waters, and a compromised environment,” he said. This call to action was not just an environmental issue, but a moral imperative.

Despite the dire situation, the speech conveyed a message of hope. Nornyibey called for collective action to protect Ghana’s water resources, urging the government, civil society, local communities, businesses, and environmental advocates to work together to tackle the problem. “It is our duty to rise above the challenges and work together,” he said, framing the festival not just as a celebration, but as an opportunity for education, awareness, and action.

The 2024 Riverfest is designed to be much more than a festival. In addition to cultural events and family-friendly activities, it aims to raise funds for a crucial cause: an ambulance/rescue boat to enhance emergency health services along the Volta River. The festival’s theme serves as a reminder that safeguarding rivers is essential to preserving life itself.

Nornyibey closed his speech by emphasizing the importance of changing attitudes towards water resources and the impact of human activity on these vital ecosystems. “We must change the narrative about the importance and impact of our activities on our water resources,” he urged.

The festival’s ultimate goal is to inspire a nationwide commitment to protecting freshwater resources. “Let this festival serve as a rallying cry to all of us to take responsibility for the health of our environment,” Nornyibey concluded, with a note of optimism: “Together, we can overcome this threat and ensure that our rivers, the lifeblood of our nation, continue to flow freely and sustainably.”

The 2024 Ghana International River Festival serves as both a celebration of Ghana’s waterways and a powerful call to action to protect them. With the theme "Our Rivers, Our Future," the festival aims to inspire a collective movement to safeguard the country’s freshwater resources for generations to come.