The Deputy Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Environment, Hon Kofi Poku-Adusei has observed that poor waste management disposal methods, sedimentation, climate variability, population pressure, problems of erosion and changes in land use pattern among others, have resulted in the declining of fresh water resources, nutrient enrichment and increase in water weeds infestation. According to him, the significant reduction of water volume in the lake which has brought about the current disruption in hydropower generation was due to the above activities. He was speaking at a press briefing marking the celebration of Africa’s Day for the Environment on the theme, “Ghana at 50- what environment?” in Accra over the weekend. He emphasized that having made 50 years as a Sovereign State, “we want to compare the state of the environment 50 years ago with the current situation”, saying this would enable “us have a good picture of how the environment should be managed for the benefit of prosperity”. Furthermore, March 3 of every year, he indicated has been set aside for “Africa Environment Day”, as declared at the Seventh-sixth Session of the Council pf Ministries of the Organisations of African Unity held in Durban, South Africa five years ago but was postponed to June this year because of Ghana’s 50th Anniversary celebrations. The decision obliged all Member States to observe the day with the involvement of the public, noting that its objective was to create awareness at all levels of society on the need to preserve as well as protect “our environment” and natural resources for posterity and for sustainable development. He added that the media should assist in disseminating the message of environmental sustenance to the good people of the country. The event, he continued was very significant “for us in Ghana since the headship of the African Union is now occupied by our President, His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor” He attributed the loss of pressure from logging, wild fires, surface mining, farming and various forms of forest encroachment along with energy needs (fire wood, charcoal) which served local communities. He said also that the rich biodiversity of Ghana was under threat from both natural and human influences. Referring to the ‘red list of threatened species’, he said 13 mammals, 10 birds, 4 reptiles and 103 plant species are listed under threat. Source: The Chronicle