We must act now!
Our actions and inaction have put our very existence on earth at great risk. Every day, we are exposed to all kinds of hazardous waste and junk foods served at homes, restaurants and at public functions.
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Sometimes, one wonders whether the use of technology is inuring to our benefit or exposing us to health risks. To reduce the laborious ways of cultivating the land, we are encouraged to resort to mechanised farming with heavy reliance on weedicides.
It is true that the use of the hoe and machete to till the land has discouraged many young people from taking to agriculture. It is also true that the use of these weedicides by farmers and even house owners who want to clear their backyards have endangered our fauna and flora.
These days, it is difficult to come by some animals and plant species because the weedicides have destroyed them. Snails, grasscutters and other bush meat, ‘kontomire’ and even snakes have become endangered species.
Not too long ago, we were told that some fishmongers were applying formalin on ‘koobi’ to preserve it.
Last year, there was public hue and cry when a study found out that some chemicals were being added to palm oil. That is not all, traders of all kinds of fruits, such as banana, mango, pineapples and pawpaw, have been accused of using carbide to ripen these fruits for consumption.
Just last Wednesday, officials of the Soil Research Institute hinted that an imminent medical problem was likely to hit the country, including death, following the consumption of food crops with “heavy” metal from mining communities.
A recent test conducted by the Soil Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) revealed that most oranges produced from Obuasi, for instance, were contaminated with metals which could be injurious to consumers.
These revelations appear normal in our circumstance because every day, we are confronted with a deliberate attempt by some unscrupulous people to destroy our water bodies.
We are looking on with helpless amazement while these people destroy our heritage. Ghana, which is blessed with many water bodies, cannot provide potable water for its citizens today.
Sometimes, fresh water from the water bodies cannot be found because the rivers have dried up.
Sad to say that our state officials who are paid by the taxpayer to police our water bodies look on unconcerned.
The Daily Graphic reminds all those involved in these selfish acts that in case there is any tragedy as a result of their actions, they would not be spared.
We want to sound a note of caution that their actions are under scrutinity and the day society rises against them, they will have no place to hide because the wrath of the people will sweep them off their feet like a tsunami.
The government should take a decisive action now against those destroying our priceless resources such as the vegetation and water bodies.
We call on the citizens to also raise their voices, loud and clear, against those who are destroying the environment and public officials who are paid to protect our heritage.
