Ghana Needs $4.28 Billion To Fix Water Crisis - Water Resources Commission

Story By Fada Amakye

Ghana will need 4.28 billion US dollars from now to 2030 to fix its water problems and provide safe drinking water to communities, the Water Resources Commission has said.

Deputy Director of Water Management and Head of the Surface Water Unit, Edwin Afosah-Anim, disclosed this at a workshop on the Water Investment Programme.

He said the programme looks at the current situation, the interventions needed, and how to finance them.

According to him, the biggest challenge facing Ghana’s water resources is illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which has deteriorated water quality in many areas. He said the lack of decision support systems and the need to provide safe water to avoid health risks are also major concerns.

Explaining the situation on the ground, Mr. Afosah-Anim said Ghana’s water systems are grouped into three: the Volta Basin in the upper part, the South-Western system including Tano, Pra and Ankobra, and the Coastal system.

He said most galamsey activities are concentrated in the South-Western system – Ankobra, Tano and areas in Ashanti Central and Western Region.

He warned that if the menace is not stopped, Ghana may have to look elsewhere for water.

“If something is happening behind your building, I will not know, but you will know. It should not always be government agencies leading. We all have equal responsibility to report and take action,” he said.

He said the $4.28 billion investment does not only cover water quality issues but also water treatment and early warning systems for floods and droughts to ensure water systems support socio-economic development.

On funding, he said the document is currently being sent for validation, but domestic sources will mainly come from the Government of Ghana while external funding will also be explored.