Ghana’s Water Crisis: Urgent Need for Infrastructure Investment and Reforms

Mr. Ibrahim Musah from WaterAid Ghana has stressed that outdated pipelines of Ghana Water Limited (GWL) are compromising water quality in urban areas. He calls for significant government investment to update infrastructure, improve water supply, and emphasizes the unsustainable reliance on donor funding in the WASH sector. Musah advocates for separating organic waste to create beneficial products and urges the government to foster private sector collaboration for capital and expertise.

Mr. Ibrahim Musah, Head of Strategy, Policy and Campaigns at WaterAid Ghana, has highlighted the obsolescence of Ghana Water Limited’s (GWL) distribution pipelines, negatively impacting water quality for urban residents. He emphasized that aging pipes, which frequently rust and burst, lead to regular repairs and supply disruptions. To ameliorate these issues, Musah advocates for governmental investment to enhance GWL’s operations and infrastructure.

He asserted that the capital-intensive nature of water infrastructure necessitates substantial investment, particularly for replacing outdated pipelines to ensure safe water supply. Moreover, he noted that more than half of the water produced by GWL is lost before it reaches consumers due to inadequate maintenance. This situation poses a significant challenge, especially as urban water demand escalates.

During discussions with journalists in Accra, Mr. Musah pointed out that Ghana’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector primarily relies on donor funding. In 2022, 73% of the sector’s funding originated from donors, a figure that surged to 92% in 2023, while government contributions dwindled to only 8%. This trend continued into 2024, with donor funding reaching 95%, indicating an unsustainable reliance on external assistance.

Musah urged the government to take ownership of financing the WASH sector to achieve comprehensive water access and meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6. He suggested the adoption of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to attract necessary capital investment, which is crucial for replacing aged infrastructure, particularly in urban centers experiencing frequent shortages.

The challenges are further exacerbated by illegal mining activities near water sources in various regions. The Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) requires sustainable funding to enhance its operations, while improvements in hygiene infrastructure, especially in public spaces, must also be prioritized.

Moreover, Mr. Musah expressed concerns regarding the regression in hygiene standards following COVID-19, warning that deteriorating conditions could lead to public health crises. He recommended the separation of organic and inorganic waste to utilize organic waste for biogas and fertilizer production, citing existing successful models in Ghana.

He emphasized the importance of creating an enabling environment for the private sector to invest in transformational waste management practices. By adopting circular economy principles, the government could foster job creation and enhance the overall quality of life for citizens, ultimately leading to a more prosperous Ghana.

In summary, Mr. Ibrahim Musah has brought critical attention to the deteriorating state of GWL’s water distribution pipelines and the urgent need for government action to secure funding for infrastructure improvements. The WASH sector’s heavy reliance on donor funding, alongside pressing urban water demands and sanitation issues, necessitates strategic public-private partnerships and innovative waste management solutions. Addressing these challenges is vital for promoting safe water access and sustainable development in Ghana.

Original Source: www.gbcghanaonline.com