WATER CRISIS IN GHANA: GHANA WATER LIMITED CALLS FOR URGENT CATCHMENT RECOVERY PLAN

Story by, Fada Amakye

Hon. Adam Mutawakilu, Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited, unveiled the severe challenges facing Ghana’s water infrastructure and proposed an ambitious 24-month plan to combat widespread water source degradation.

The presentation highlighted the devastating impact of siltation on water treatment plants across multiple regions, revealing that emergency dredging has become a costly necessity. At Owabi alone, dredging expenses reached 64 million Ghana cedis in 2024, while Manpo saw 13.8 million cedis spent on similar emergency interventions.

Mutawakilu painted a stark picture of the water crisis, explaining how rapid sedimentation is overwhelming water treatment facilities. “Our raw water sources are changing faster than our plants were built to handle,” he stated, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive intervention.

The proposed catchment recovery plan targets eight priority river bodies, focusing on:

– River bank stabilization

– Revegetation of erosion hotspots

– Targeted survey-led dredging

– Community engagement to protect riparian buffers

The economic implications extend far beyond water production. Industries from beverage manufacturing to healthcare could face significant disruptions if the water crisis remains unaddressed. Mutawakilu warned that unchecked siltation would cascade across the economy, affecting everything from food processing to commercial real estate.

Notably, the government has already taken steps to combat the issue, with initiatives like the Blue Water Guard surveillance operations and stricter regulations on illegal mining. President John Dramani Mahama’s efforts to track and control excavators have shown promising initial results.

Ghana Water Limited is seeking collaborative support from corporate partners, development agencies, and government bodies. The estimated 24-month plan aims to:

– Restore water abstraction capacity

– Reduce treatment challenges

– Lower energy consumption

– Extend infrastructure lifespan

Managing Director Hon. Adam Mutawakilu promises transparent reporting, allowing partners to track the tangible impacts of their contributions.

“Water security begins at the source,” Mutawakilu emphasized, calling for immediate and coordinated action to protect Ghana’s critical water resources.

As Ghana faces increasing environmental challenges, this comprehensive approach represents a critical step in ensuring sustainable water supply for millions of citizens.

The full implementation of this plan could be a watershed moment for Ghana’s water infrastructure, potentially serving as a model for other nations facing similar environmental challenges.