The ISODEC Integrated Social Development Center, in partnership with Africa Rising and the Africa Water Justice Network, recently organized a stakeholders’ meeting to address a pressing issue of water justice in Ghana.
The event was themed “Strengthening Water Justice in Ghana: Uniting to Defend Water as a Human Right,” the event brought together various stakeholders. The event aimed to emphasize the importance of portable and safe wateras a fundamental human right, rather than a privilege.
Executive Director of ISODEC, Mr. Sam Danse, highlighted that government investment in water has been insufficient over the years, with only $429 million allocated in 2024, meanwhile $1.1 billion is required annually to meet the country’s water needs.
Mr. Sam condemned the pollution of water bodies with harmful chemicals, which poses significant health risks to communities and affects the learning process of school children who travel long distances in search of water.
Approximately 18 million people in Ghana lack access to safely managed water, posing health issues and underscoring the need for prioritized investment in water infrastructure.
Mr. Sam urged the government to prioritize water investment to ensure adequate supply to reach every home.
He advocated for awareness creation about water investments, regulations, and policies to hold offenders responsible for water pollution.-He called upon the media to use their platforms to inform the government and the public about the importance of water as a human right and the need for increased investment.
The Africa Water Justice Network, a key partner in the stakeholders’ meeting, has been working tirelessly to promote water justice across the country.
Mr. Leonard Shang-Quartey, Coordinator for Africa Water Justice Network, has spoken out about the insufficient water supply which is affecting many communities in Ghana. He emphasized that some communities experience water flow for only 24 hours within a day or two, he highlighted the struggles faced by those relying on boreholes as their primary source of drinking water.
Mr. Leonard noted that discussions often focus on the availability of water, but neglect the issue of access. Even when water is available, getting access to it can be a significant challenge, particularly for those not connected to the piped water system. He described the living conditions in Odumasi as “terrible” and he emphasized the need for public health workers to scrutinize vendors, such as those selling Hausa Koko, to ensure they are using safe water.
Mr. Leonard advocated for the government to prioritize water financing to address the water crisis in Ghana. He stressed the importance of stakeholders coming together to develop an advocacy plan to tackle the issue. He also highlighted the connection between galamsey (illegal mining) and water, noting that the pursuit of profit is driving the destruction of water bodies and forests.
Mr. Leonard called for criteria to prioritize water as a human right, with the needs and interests of individuals at the forefront of governmental policies. He emphasized the need for a people-centered approach to address the water crisis to ensure that everyone has access to safe and clean drinking water.
Reported By Azaglo Michael
