Ghana’s Water Challenges: Despite Progress, More Work Needed

Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has acknowledged that despite significant investments in the water sector, the country still faces challenges in providing reliable sources of clean drinking water to all its citizens. The President made this statement at the signing of the Presidential Compact on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) at the Jubilee House in Accra.

The Ghanaian government has made notable investments in the water sector over the past seven years, expanding access to clean water in both rural and underserved urban areas. The construction and rehabilitation of water treatment facilities across the nation have also improved access to clean drinking water for many Ghanaians.

However, the President emphasized that there is still much work to be done to achieve universal access to clean water, adequate sanitation, and hygiene services. He highlighted the importance of robust governance frameworks and enhanced coordination among various sectors to ensure the effective delivery of these services.

The WASH Compact is a strategic partnership agreement aimed at fostering inclusive development, safeguarding public health, and advancing broader socio-economic objectives. The agreement emphasizes the importance of addressing critical gaps in access to clean water, adequate sanitation, and hygiene services.

The President’s efforts to improve the wellbeing of all Ghanaians have been recognized by the Director/Representative of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Mrs Ifeoma Charles-Monwuba. She noted that the signing of the compact aligns seamlessly with the priorities of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for Ghana 2023-2025 and the priorities of the Development Cooperation Community.

The compact has also led to the construction of 250,000 household toilets and the establishment of several liquid waste treatment plants nationwide. Additionally, two sewage systems have been constructed in the Tema metropolitan area, benefiting over 44,000 residents of low-income urban communities.

The Ghanaian government’s commitment to achieving universal access to clean water, adequate sanitation, and hygiene services by 2030 is evident in its investments and achievements in the water sector. However, more work is needed to address the remaining challenges and ensure that all Ghanaians have access to these basic services.