The Biakoye District Assembly, in collaboration with the Volta River Authority, has organised a workshop on the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) aimed at protecting and preserving the environment within the district.
The workshop, which focused on environmental sustainability and community education, formed part of activities being implemented under the Environmental Management Plan for the Akosombo and Kpong Hydroelectric Power Plants. Participants were educated on the need to safeguard natural resources and promote environmentally responsible practices in communities across the district.
During the workshop, facilitators highlighted several harmful activities contributing to environmental degradation in the area. These included illegal sand winning, deforestation, farming along lake banks, and poor waste disposal practices. According to speakers at the event, such activities continue to pose serious threats to water bodies, vegetation, and the general wellbeing of residents.
Officials further outlined some of the visible effects of environmental abuse within affected communities. Among the major concerns raised were the decline in fish catch, brownish and murky water conditions, receding lake banks, and unpleasant odours caused by algae-infested water. Participants were informed that these developments could negatively affect livelihoods, especially among fishing and farming communities, if urgent measures are not taken.
The District Assembly also used the opportunity to brief residents on interventions currently being undertaken to improve sanitation and environmental conditions in the district. Authorities disclosed that refuse dump sites in some communities had been evacuated and spread to help level the ground, while fumigation exercises have also been carried out in selected areas to prevent the outbreak of diseases.
Speaking at the workshop, the Principal Community Relations Officer of VRA, Madam Rhoda Arthur, stressed the importance of community involvement in environmental protection. She encouraged residents to support initiatives that promote sustainable development and environmental awareness.
Madam Arthur also highlighted some of the social intervention programmes being implemented by the VRA to support communities within its operational areas. She spoke about scholarship opportunities for brilliant but needy students, explaining that the initiative is intended to empower young people and contribute to the development of local communities.
Among dignitaries present at the workshop were the District Chief Executive, Hon. Eric Kwaku Opong, the Biakoye District Director, Mr. Mark Maxwell Mensah, Madam Rhoda Arthur of VRA, Mrs. Elsie Asante-Akomah, Environmental Officer of VRA, as well as representatives from the traditional council.
The workshop ended with a renewed call on residents to actively support environmental conservation efforts and work together to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations.
