Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience |  University of Cape Coast

We use water for a variety of purposes, ranging from domestic, agricultural, and industrial. A constant availability of clean pure water signifies peace. The destruction of these essential resources can create ripples of unrest, disrupting the harmony within societies. Unclean water affects our health, and ecosystem health and causes a lot of imbalances in the environment.

At the heart of the issue lies the scarcity of resources. Water, a fundamental necessity for life, becomes a source of contention when its supply dwindles due to the destruction of water bodies. This scarcity breeds conflict over access to clean water for drinking, agriculture, and industrial purposes, intensifying tensions between communities and regions. Economic disruption follows suit, as livelihoods dependent on water bodies for fishing, agriculture, tourism, and transportation are severely impacted. Unemployment and poverty rise, sowing the seeds of social unrest.

Furthermore, the health consequences of contaminated water exacerbate the situation. Waterborne diseases spread rapidly in communities relying on polluted water sources, straining healthcare systems and amplifying social divisions. The environmental degradation accompanying the destruction of water bodies only compounds these challenges. Loss of habitat and biodiversity, soil erosion, and disrupted ecosystems disrupt agricultural productivity, climate patterns, and natural disaster vulnerability, exacerbating social tensions and insecurity.

Galamsey, with its rampant pollution of water bodies through the use of toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide, represents a significant threat. Not only does it contaminate water sources, but it also harms aquatic life, disrupting livelihoods dependent on fishing and agriculture. The economic instability and social unrest stemming from galamsey further undermine peace within affected communities.

Similarly, marine pollution compounds the issue. Plastic and nuclear waste as well as noise pollution in water bodies not only harm aquatic life but also contaminate water supplies and disrupts ecosystems. The health risks posed by these pollutants, contemporary and legacy alike combined with the broader environmental impacts, intensify tensions over access to clean water and resources, eroding the peace within affected regions.
 

On this day we call for the conservation of our water bodies to foster peace and tranquility.