The Western North Regional Minister, Wilbert Petty Brentum, has warned residents of the Aowin Municipality against dumping refuse and constructing buildings along watercourses, stressing that such practices contribute significantly to flooding during the rainy season.
The minister gave the warning when he led a two-day nationwide clean-up in the Aowin Municipality.
The exercise was declared by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama in all seven regions that were severely affected by the recent floods, to prevent outbreaks of cholera and other diseases.
Speaking at the official opening of the exercise at Enchi, the Aowin Municipal capital, Mr Brentum said although many communities in the municipality are located in low-lying areas and are naturally prone to flooding, the recent floods were largely caused by human activities.
These include illegal mining (galamsey), sand winning along riverbanks, indiscriminate felling of trees by chainsaw operators and other environmentally harmful practices.
Mr Brentum further reaffirmed that unauthorised construction along watercourses and the indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains and water bodies are major causes of flooding whenever there is prolonged or heavy rainfall. He, therefore, cautioned residents to desist from such practices.
He called on all residents to actively participate in the exercise, emphasising that "cleanliness is next to godliness" and that a clean environment is essential for good health.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Aowin, Dr Stephen Ntow Morcher, said the clean-up was very dear to the heart of President John Dramani Mahama and the Western North Regional Minister. He urged all residents, especially the youth, to actively participate in the exercise to ensure its success.
Dr Morcher also pledged to desilt all choked gutters and dredge the major streams surrounding the Enchi township to help prevent future flooding.
For his part, the Western North Regional Environmental Health Officer, Paul Ntsugah, advised residents to avoid littering and to make proper use of the dustbins placed at strategic locations.
The clean-up was carried out in several major communities, including Enchi, Jensue, Nyankamam, Boinso, Achimfo, Omanpe, Kwawu, Kwame Elluobo, Nsuo Akyire, Banaso, Ebbikwawkrom and Agyeikrom.
