Ghana’s Water Supply Challenges Require Urgent National Attention – Dr. Ayariga
Founder and Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr. Hassan Abdulai Ayariga, has called for urgent national attention to the financial and operational challenges confronting Ghana Water Limited (GWL), warning that the country risks severe water shortages if immediate action is not taken.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Dr. Ayariga said water is life, and access to clean, safe and reliable drinking water is a basic necessity that every Ghanaian deserves.
He said he has received deeply concerning information from sources within the water sector regarding the challenges facing GWL.
According to information available to him, Ghana Water Limited urgently requires approximately US$60 million to invest in new water treatment plants and expand its treatment capacity to improve water supply across the country.
He further indicated that critical government funding for the sector has reportedly not been released for almost two years, creating serious difficulties for the company’s operations and infrastructure development.
“The situation is particularly concerning in Greater Accra, Ho, and parts of the Central Region, where many communities are reportedly experiencing irregular water supply,” he stated.
Of particular concern, he said, is the warning that without significant investment in new water treatment plants within the next 18 months, Ghana Water Limited may be unable to guarantee reliable, uninterrupted water supply to the communities it serves.
“This is a serious warning that deserves urgent technical assessment and national attention,” Dr. Ayariga said.
He therefore called on the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry responsible for Water Resources, and the management of Ghana Water Limited to urgently assess the situation, clarify the funding requirements, and develop a practical investment programme to address the country’s water infrastructure needs.
“Water supply is not a luxury. It is essential to public health, sanitation, economic development, and the dignity of every Ghanaian,” he said.
“We must not wait until communities experience more severe water shortages before taking the necessary steps to strengthen our national water infrastructure,” he added.
Dr. Ayariga stressed that Ghana’s water security must remain a national development priority, regardless of political affiliation.
