A 26 -year-old swimmer, Milana May, made history by swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Bosomtwe on a daunting 24-kilometre swim across the majestic lake.
It was the first time a swimmer swam to cross the Lake that was formed by a meteor impact thousands of years ago.
Dubbed, ‘Milana May’s Freedom Swim,’ the two-day exercise, was to raise awareness about the lake’s plight, encouraging responsible tourism and environmental protection for the UNESCO’s biosphere reserve.
In collaboration with the Breast Care International (BCI), the exercise also led to a free breast screening of women and girls in catchment communities.
The American-Siberian took off from Abono on the first day, September 20, ending the six-hour, 12-kilometres journey at Ankaase and returned on the next day covering, 24km, to a tumultuous cheers from the communities.
Speaking to the media, Ms May, also known as ’Metashaman’, highlighted the significance of protecting lake Bosomtwe, promoting sustainable tourism in Kumasi and inspiring the population to make positive changes towards a lifestyle of preventive health practices and prioritise physical movement.
The eco advocate said the swim was part of her vision to inspire people worldwide to foster love and reconnect with nature, support eco-friendly travel and participate in conservation efforts.
According to her, she came to Kumasi for the first time in July 26, this year, and was looking for clean air and water to swim.
As a result, she went to Abono to see the Lake and when she was taken on a boat, she nurtured the idea of swimming across it when she learned that no one had ever done that before and, therefore, contacted the authorities for preparation.
“I swim for love, there is only one supreme power, and that is love…when you love you are free…I, therefore, encourage all people to love,” she emphasised.
“Swimming across the lake is not just about the challenge, it’s about bringing attention to how precious and fragile our ecosystems are; we need to do everything we can to protect these natural resources for future generations,” she intoned.
The Chief of Ankaasi, Nana Atakora Bonsra I, was full of praise for the swimmer to raise awareness about protecting the lake.
He observed that all the river bodies in the country were being destroyed due to illegal mining (galamsey) and stringent efforts were needed to protect the lakes.
The Chief Executive of the BCI, Dr Beatrice Wiafe-Addai, thanked the team for the collaboration which also made room for many women and girls to be screened for free of breast cancer.
She urged the communities surrounding the lake to take great care of the largest natural resource in West Africa.
There are about 30 villages surrounding the lake, with a combined population of about 70,000, with the most popular community being Abono, where tourists usually settle. It is in the Bosomtwe District of Ashanti.
FROM KINGSLEY E. HOPE, KUMASI
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