The Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Ghana, His Excellency Pavel Bilek, says his country stands ready to collaborate with Ghana in treating water bodies affected by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey in the country.
Water treatment and agriculture are two areas the new envoy intends to increase cooperation with Ghana, as his country possesses the know-how.
Focusing on the water treatment, he said it was possible to treat water destroyed by illegal miners.
“A few weeks ago, I had the chance to hand over one water treatment plant at Kade and this shows that it is possible to make clean, drinking water polluted by illegal mining. These are areas we are looking forward for possibilities for cooperation and our companies are ready to be here and help,” he told opemsuo.com on the sidelines of a courtesy visit to the Manhyia Palace.
According to water samples collected by JoyNews in October 2022, almost all of the country’s water bodies have exhibited significant color changes, indicating severe pollution.
The affected water bodies included River Tano, Nwui, Offin, Bonsa, Bia and Ankobra.
H.E Bilek also highlighted his country’s collaboration with Ghana in the areas of security, transport, infrastructure and health as he posited that their relations with Ghana since independence have been excellent.
“We (some Czech companies) are building bridges all over Ghana and some of them are here in Ashanti Region. There will be even more later. We are building hospitals in many places. Also, our doctors come several times a year to operate on Ghanaian patients and they are operating for free here. They also train Ghanaian doctors in the Czech Republic.”
Courtesy Call
The Ambassador was at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region purposely to pay a courtesy visit to Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II on June 28, 2024.
He told opemsuo.com that the visit was a big honour for him.
“I have been here only for a few months as the ambassador. An important part for me also is to meet all the important personalities so I was certainly delighted when it was a big honour for me to be received by the King of the Asante Kingdom.”
Among his delegation were his wife, Martina Bilkova and the Deputy Head of Missions, Matej Denk.
Source: Manhyia Palace
