At the commemoration of World Water Day 2026 in Accra, the Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, delivered a strong call for inclusive and sustainable water management, emphasizing that access to water is both a development and gender equality issue.
Addressing stakeholders, development partners, and civil society representatives, the Minister underscored the significance of this year’s theme, “Water and Gender: Where Water Flows, Equality Grows.” He noted that the theme highlights the urgent need to place women at the center of water governance and decision-making processes.
According to him, water remains fundamental to health, economic productivity, food security, and human dignity. However, access to safe and reliable water continues to be a challenge for many, particularly in developing countries like Ghana, where women and girls often bear the burden of fetching water over long distances.
“This burden goes beyond physical strain. It limits opportunities for education, economic empowerment, and participation in leadership,” the Minister stated, stressing that improving water access must be seen as a pathway to advancing gender equality.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to expanding potable water access and improving sanitation through key agencies such as the Ghana Water Company Limited and the Community Water and Sanitation Agency. He noted that significant progress has been made in rural water supply, small-town water systems, and urban infrastructure rehabilitation.
Despite these gains, the Minister acknowledged persistent challenges, including rapid urbanization, climate change, pollution, and illegal mining, which continue to threaten Ghana’s water resources.
He called for collective action and outlined three priority areas: ensuring equitable access to water for women and girls, promoting women’s participation in water governance, and investing in education and innovation to protect water resources.
The Minister further warned that pollution of rivers through illegal mining and poor waste management poses a serious risk to national development and public health, urging all stakeholders to take responsibility for safeguarding water bodies.
Linking Ghana’s efforts to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality), he stressed the need for stronger partnerships and increased investment to accelerate progress.
He concluded by calling for renewed commitment and collaboration to ensure water security for all Ghanaians, emphasizing that the nation’s health, prosperity, and future depend on sustainable water management.
