The Ghana Water Justice Network (GWJN), a group of civil society organizations, has issued 12 policy recommendations to transform water access and governance in Ghana.
These proposals address critical issues including affordability, widespread water pollution, and unequal access for vulnerable populations. The GWJN urges the government to act on these recommendations to ensure sustainable water management for all citizens.
This intervention comes as Ghana faces ongoing challenges with its water infrastructure and service delivery. Many households, especially in rural and peri-urban areas, experience unreliable water supply. The dependence on sachet water, despite its environmental cost, highlights systemic failures in the piped water network. This situation impacts public health and economic productivity across various sectors.
The GWJN’s appeal specifically calls for the Ghana Water Company to stop disconnecting water for unpaid bills. They argue that water is a fundamental human right. Disconnections disproportionately affect women and children. A more humane approach to service delivery is necessary, prioritising dignity and universal access.
Looking ahead, policymakers will need to evaluate the feasibility and financial implications of these recommendations. The call to halt disconnections, linked to a human rights perspective, could spark significant debate. Markets will also watch how the government addresses infrastructure investment gaps, which require substantial capital. The outcomes will influence public health, environmental sustainability, and the daily lives of millions of Ghanaians.
The GWJN's recommendations further address significant gaps in infrastructure investment. The Network calls on the government to fully honor its budgetary commitments for water projects. Untapped budget allocations hinder progress in expanding access to clean water.
Protecting Ghana's water bodies is another core element of the proposals. The GWJN recommends establishing and strictly enforcing Water Protection Zones. They advocate for integrating catchment protection plans into national and local spatial planning systems. This would safeguard rivers and lakes from environmental degradation.
Addressing illegal mining, known as galamsey, is also a priority. The Network suggests tougher enforcement actions. These include seizing assets and prosecuting financiers and equipment owners involved in illegal mining. Deploying satellite and drone surveillance will also help monitor affected areas. Supporting community-based river guards is crucial for local enforcement.
The GWJN also focuses on groundwater management. They propose a national borehole drilling permit system. Creating a central groundwater database would improve monitoring and sustainable use. They also encourage developing shared community borehole systems to ensure equitable access.
Institutional strengthening is a key component of the recommendations. The Network urges the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) to improve its performance in meeting rural water targets. They also call for enhanced regulatory effectiveness by the Water Resources Commission. These institutions are vital for effective water sector governance.
Finally, the communiqué highlights the widespread reliance on sachet water. This reliance shows systemic failures in piped water supply. The GWJN calls for policies that address this dependence and mitigate its environmental impact. This holistic approach aims to comprehensively reform Ghana's water sector.