Mobik Energy CEO Sounds Alarm on Tarkwa's Vanishing Rivers and Youth Betting Epidemic

Speaking passionately about the environmental crisis unfolding in Tarkwa, Cobbinah painted a nostalgic yet grim picture. "Growing up, we used to swim and play in these rivers in Tarkwa," he recalled. "But you barely see these rivers anymore. When there is water scarcity, we used to go to these rivers for water. Now, they are disappearing."

He cited concrete examples of the decline: "There was a stream around UMaT (University of Mines and Technology) where we used to play. These days, when one passes there, the stream is no more. One river, Kawir, that was wide, is gradually turning into a stream." He lamented the loss of vital community resources, noting that rivers previously used by mothers for cooking and washing, especially during water shortages on weekends, are now barely noticeable.

Human Encroachment vs. Climate Change: A Toxic Mix

Cobbinah highlighted the complex interplay driving the crisis: "One can’t tell why it is so, but I think it’s nature, and once humans are encroaching more, we are losing them. Climate change has affected Tarkwa." He expressed deep concern over the blatant disregard for water bodies: "These days, people are not scared to work in river bodies, causing the rivers not to flow in their natural state."

He stressed the ecological importance of preserving these waterways: "Rivers and streams are very essential in our lives because when the weather is extremely hot, it’s the rivers and streams that absorb the heat. When these rivers and streams are extinct, most people can’t stand the heat." Cobbinah issued a direct appeal to authorities: "I hope the authorities will work on those who are encroaching and building near rivers and streams."

Youth Betting: A Path to Nowhere

Shifting focus to a pressing social issue, Cobbinah condemned the growing dependence of Tarkwa's youth on sports betting. "The youth these days don’t like to work and want an easy way out in life," he stated. "Betting has become their life and work, which will not end well for them. It has now become a norm in the country... some hardly go out and stay indoors just to check on betting on their phones."

He delivered a blunt message: "Betting can sustain you in terms of feeding and other minor things, but it can’t sustain you in the future... Life is not about sitting in one place and playing Draft or betting on your phone. No magic says that you can do betting and be a better person in life."

A Personal Journey: Hard Work Over Easy Money

Cobbinah grounded his advice in his own life story. He recounted how, after completing basic school, his parents – a plantain trader and a security guard – couldn't afford to send him to secondary school while also supporting his siblings. "I teared up since all my friends were going to school and I was home," he shared.

Faced with limited options, he took action: "I then decided to do something for myself." He started working at small-scale mining sites, progressed to buying and selling gold, and eventually recognized the need to "up his game." This led him to open a fuel filling station, ultimately pivoting fully to the energy sector with Mobik Energy, establishing fuel and gas stations.

A Call to Action: Seize Youthful Energy

Drawing from his journey, Cobbinah urged the youth to reject the betting trap and embrace hard work early in life. "You can only work hard when you are a youth, to start your life. If you wait till 50, it will be too late for you," he warned. "After 40-50 years, one wouldn’t have that zeal and strength... There are some jobs that you’ll be shy to do when you’re 40."

He emphasized the long-term responsibilities betting cannot fulfil: "At a point in your life, you’ll marry and give birth, and you have to take care of them. Betting can’t take care of your family." Cobbinah concluded with a sobering reminder: "No one is handed money or gold in the womb to start a life when they are born, nor does God rain money on humans like the biblical manna. If you don’t go out and get something done for yourself, in the future when you’re old, you’ll realise that you have made a huge mistake which has amounted to nothing productive in your life."

Joseph Cobbinah's message serves as a powerful call for environmental stewardship and a return to productive work ethics to secure Tarkwa Nsuaem's ecological and social future.

Source: Nana Esi Brew Monney

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