The Bonokyempem Association, has started an initiative to restore the Techiman Atweredan River and turn the river bank into a recreational center.
The association, as part of that initiatives have planted over 60 trees along the banks of the Atweredan River with the aim of providing shade for the river to prevent it from drying out.
The Atweredan River, has been one of the sources of drinking water for the people of Techiman but due to some activities by some residents of the Techiman South Municipality, the river is no longer serving as a source of drinking water.
During the tree-planting exercise on the river bank on last Sunday, 3rd November, 2024, a private legal practitioner and member of the Bonokyempem Association, Lawyer Nana Skeyere Boateng, urged residents of Techiman, especially those living and trading along the Tweredan River to desist from activities that pollutes the river.
He noted that many water bodies in developed countries have been transformed into tourist attractions, generating revenue and creating jobs. Lawyer Sekyere Boateng prayed to traditional leaders, and the Techiman Municipal Assembly to enforce laws that would safeguard the river from pollution.
“God in His own wisdom created water bodies to complement life on earth, none of us can live without water. Even it is said that our forefathers fought each other because they wanted to live closer to water bodies.
“Unfortunately, we are now polluting our water bodies, so the Bonokyempem Association has decided to help plant trees along the banks of the Atweredan River with the aim of providing shade to the river and protecting it from drying out.
“The bigger goal is to establish a recreational center along the river bank and we believe that by so doing, people will desist from dumping refuse in the river.” He said
On his part, the President of the Bonokyempem Association, Fosu Gideon, pledged to intensify efforts to protect the newly planted trees, ensuring they serve their purpose.
“We promise to put in adequate measures to protect these trees in order to achieve our purpose of planting them. We are in constant talks with those that works along the river bank to desist from polluting the river
“As the adage goes, if persuasion fails, falls must be apply, if it becomes necessary to deploy security personnel to protect the trees and the Atweredan River, we will do it. We have already spoken with the Techiman Traditional Council and they have promised to support us in protecting the river.” He said.
Source: Elvisanokyenews.com
