Water Resources Commission marks world  water day with schools’ quiz competition

The Water Resources Commission (WRC) has intensified efforts to promote water conservation and environmental stewardship among young people through an inter-school quiz competition organized in the Abuakwa South Municipality of the Eastern Region to commemorate World Water Day 2026.

The educational initiative formed part of broader activities aimed at deepening awareness on water resource management, sanitation, and environmental protection while encouraging the younger generation to become active champions in safeguarding Ghana’s rapidly threatened water bodies.

The competition tested pupils’ knowledge on a range of issues, including the importance of protecting rivers and streams, access to safe drinking water; sanitation rights; sustainable water use practices; and the environmental dangers posed by irresponsible human activities—especially illegal mining.

Participating schools included Asikam Presbyterian Basic School, Ahwenease Presbyterian Basic School, Kibi State Basic School, Kibi Methodist Basic School, and Okanta Presbyterian Basic School.

Speaking to The Chronicle, Water Management Officer at the Densu Basin Secretariat of the WRC, Festus Aidoo Larweh, said the quiz was strategically designed to make learning about water conservation practical, memorable, and community centered.

He noted that education remains one of the most effective tools in shaping environmentally responsible behavior among young people.

According to him, instilling water conservation values in children at an early age is essential in building a future generation that understands the importance of preserving the country’s natural resources.

Mr. Larweh used the occasion to caution the youth against involvement in illegal mining activities, stressing that galamsey remains one of the greatest threats to Ghana’s water security due to its devastating pollution of rivers, streams, and underground water sources.

He urged young people to prioritize education, become ambassadors of environmental protection, and actively support national efforts to preserve water bodies for present and future generations.

The competition, held at the Anglican Church in Kyebi, was keenly contested, with Ahwenease Presbyterian Basic School emerging champions with an impressive 37 points.

Asikam Presbyterian JHS secured second place with 26 points, while Kibi Methodist Basic School placed third with 24 points. Okanta Presbyterian Basic School and Kibi State Basic School tied for fourth position with 22 points each.

As part of the awards, all participating schools received exercise books in recognition of their involvement, while winners received cash prizes, GH¢500 for third place, GH¢700 for second place, and GH¢1,000 for the winning school.

Earlier in the celebrations, the WRC, together with stakeholders, held a community sensitization program at Potrase, where concerns were raised over the alarming degradation of water bodies in the area.

The engagement brought together traditional leaders and representatives from Ghana Water Limited, the Forestry Commission, the Minerals Commission, A Rocha Ghana, and the Concerned Citizens of the Atewa Landscape, all of whom underscored the urgent need for collective action to combat water pollution caused by illegal mining.

This year’s World Water Day, observed globally under the theme “Water and Gender,” highlighted the critical connection between access to safe water, sanitation, and gender equality.

The international campaign, led by UN-Water, UNICEF, and UN Women, drew attention to the disproportionate burden that water scarcity places on women and girls while also recognizing their essential role in water governance, sanitation advocacy, and sustainable resource management.

For the Water Resources Commission, the message remains clear: protecting water is a shared responsibility, and educating the next generation is central to winning that fight.

 

 

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