Abstract:
The study sought to investigate water pollution and biodiversity change of the muni-
Pomadze lagoon and its catchment in Winneba, Ghana. This is an onsite study hence much
of the data were taken in the form of water samples. This notwithstanding, the views of the
residents in and around the lagoon and the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission
were sought hence purposive sampling technique was used to select fifteen (15)
participants. Content analysis were also done to validate the responses obtained from the
field. The research instruments used for the study were in-depth interview guide, field
observations, content analysis, field measurements of physical parameters in-situ, as well
as photographs taken on the field. All the parameters tested in the Muni catchment were
within the threshold provided by WHO and USEPA with the catchment having WQI range
of (51-70) all of fair water quality in the wet season. For the dry season, the WQI values
for Muni lagoon and Ntakofa were within (26-50) being good water quality with Pratu
having an excellent water quality. It was revealed that, there have been great decline in
biodiversity which has affected the socio-economic lives of people who depend on the
lagoon. Radio, community and outreach programs. are carried out on routine basis to
ensure effective management. It can be concluded that, anthropogenic activities determined
greatly the water quality index and status of pollution in the study area more than nature
does. It is recommended that, there should be a thorough and continuous monthly water
quality assessment of the Muni catchment as well as continuous collaborative governance
model bringing all stakeholders together to manage the Muni catchment.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Geography Education, Faculty of Social Science, submitted to the School of Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Philosophy (Geography Education) in the University of Education, Winneba
NOVEMBER, 2020