The Faculty of Geosciences and Environmental Studies of the University of Mines and Technology officially launched an Inter-Departmental Competition dubbed, ‘Water Challenge’ on Wednesday, 19th February 2025. The initiative, which forms part of activities earmarked for the 2025 World Water Day Celebration was designed to educate students and create public awareness on the critical state of Ghana’s water bodies, particularly the Bonsa River and its negative impact on the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality. The Challenge is set to take place on Thursday, 20th March 2025 at the University Auditorium.
The Bonsa River, situated in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality of Ghana's Western Region, has long served as a crucial water source for local communities, including Tarkwa. However, in recent years, the river has been severely impacted by environmental degradation, largely driven by illegal and irresponsible mining activities. These operations have caused widespread contamination of the river making it unsafe for domestic use and also posing significant health risks to the Tarkwa-Nsuaem populace.
The Water Challenge will adopt a pragmatic approach, bringing together teams from the various departments within the Faculty namely; Environmental and Safety Engineering, Geological Engineering and Geomatic Engineering Departments. Each department will be tasked to develop practical solutions aimed at improving the quality of our water bodies with a particular focus on the Bonsa River.
Outlining activities earmarked for this year’s World Water Day Celebration, the Chairman of the Planning Committee and Head of Geological Engineering Department, Dr Kofi Adomako-Ansah, mentioned series of impactful public awareness programmes including radio campaigns on both traditional and social media to ensure broad community engagement and site-specific training programmes for stakeholders in water resource management. There will also be a procession through the principal streets of the Tarkwa township to create more awareness. The celebration will be climaxed with a Stakeholders’ Durbar on Friday, 21st March 2025 at 9:00 a.m. in the University Auditorium.
He underscored that the solutions proposed by students during the ‘Water Challenge’ will be put into action to improve the quality of the Bonsa River for consumption. He also announced the introduction of E-Water Booth project in the form of installation of water dispensers at strategic points across campus, aiming to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable water use on campus.
The Dean of the Faculty of Geosciences and Environmental Studies, Professor Anthony Ewusi, expressed optimism about the potential to discover lasting solutions to the nation’s water challenges. He encouraged students and departments to not only give their best efforts in the upcoming ‘Water Challenge’ but also embrace a broader responsibility in safeguarding the country’s water resources. Aligning his message with the national theme for this year’s global World Water Day celebration, "Water Conservation", Professor Ewusi emphasised the importance of collective action in preserving water bodies for future generations. His call to action reflects the university's dedication to fostering sustainable environmental practices and driving meaningful change in water management across Ghana toward the attainment of Goal 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The launch was attended by industry partners including representatives from African Explosives and Chemical Industries (AECI) Bogoso, Drill Masters Africa (Dma) Tarkwa, Deeprock Ghana Limited, members of faculty, staff and students of the University.
