The Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Ghana, His Excellency Pavel Bilek, has expressed his country’s willingness to collaborate with Ghana in addressing the impact of illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, on water bodies.
According to him, he aims to enhance cooperation with Ghana in the areas of water treatment and agriculture, leveraging his country’s expertise in these fields, citing the successful implementation of a water treatment plant in Kade as evidence of the possibility of restoring clean, drinking water in areas affected by illegal mining.
“A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to hand over a water treatment plant in Kade. This demonstrates that it is possible to purify clean, drinking water that has been polluted by illegal mining. We are eager to explore opportunities for cooperation in these areas, and our companies are prepared to be here and offer assistance”, he said.
Research shows that Rivers Tano, Nwui, Offin, Bonsa, Bia, Ankobra, and many of the country’s water bodies exhibit colour changes, indicating pollution.
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Ambassador Bilek made this known when he paid a courtesy call to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace, Kumasi.
He highlighted the existing collaborations in security, transport, infrastructure, and healthcare, emphasizing the positive relations between the two countries since Ghana’s independence.
“We, (Czech companies), are constructing bridges throughout Ghana including the Ashanti Region, with plans for more in the future. We are also building hospitals in various locations. Additionally, our doctors visit Ghana several times a year to perform free surgeries on Ghanaian patients. Moreover, they provide training for Ghanaian doctors in the Czech Republic.”, Ambassador Bilek said.
In his meeting with the Asantehene, he indicated that it’s become imperative for him to get an audience with very influential people in the country.
“I have been serving as the ambassador here for just a few months. It’s important for me to meet all the important personalities, so I was truly delighted to have the honour of being received by the King of the Asante Kingdom,” he said.
The Czech delegation included the Ambassador’s wife, Martina Bilkova; and, the Deputy Head of Missions, Matej Denk.
