The government has been urged to speed up the dredging of the Owabi River in the Atwima Nwabiagya South District of the Ashanti Region.

According to Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, dredging Owabi River, which was heavily silted, will help further protect the river which provides safe water for a sizeable number of the population in the region.

The Asantehene made the call when the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR), Mrs Cecilia Abena Dapaah paid a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace today, Wednesday, 19 May 2021.

Ms Dapaah also furnished the Asantehene with a report about the threat of galamsey and real estate activities to the Oda and Owabi rivers.

The dredging of Owabi, according to the minister, had become necessary because its original depth of 22.5 feet was now at just 6 feet because of silt.

In the light of the above, the Asantehene has summoned the chiefs of Odaso and Owabi to explain the pollution of the Oda and Owabi Rivers by illegal miners and real estate activities respectively.

Addressing journalists after her meeting, Mrs Dapaah commended Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his continuous efforts in protecting the Barekese River.

She, however, described as disquieting the serious galamsey activities ongoing just 20 metres away from the River Oda in the Odaso community.