In many rural communities across Ghana, access to clean water remains a daily struggle. For some residents, waking up without water to brush their teeth, bathe, or maintain proper hygiene is not a hypothetical scenario but a lived reality. The absence of water also affects sanitation, leaving households unable to flush toilets or maintain clean living environment.
It is against this backdrop that the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC), in collaboration with the Water Justice Network, officially launched the National Water Justice Campaign on April 16, 2026, in Accra. The initiative aims to amplify citizens’ voices and push for the recognition of water as a fundamental human right for all communities in Ghana.
The campaign seeks to promote equitable and affordable access to water, positioning it as a critical driver of national development.
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The Launch event was put together by ISODEC with support from STAR-Ghana Foundation under the Action for Voice, Influence and Inclusive Development (AVID II) project.
The launch also highlighted the global framework of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6, which calls for clean water and sanitation for all by 2030.
Welcoming participants to the launch event, the Executive Director of ISODEC, Mr Samson Salifu Danse, called for urgent collective action to protect water as a fundamental human right.
Mr Danse urged stakeholders to prioritize equitable access to clean and affordable water, stressing that “water is for people, not for profit.”
He emphasized that access to safe water remains a major challenge for many Ghanaians despite its essential role in daily life.
Mr Danse used the occasion to urge policymakers, civil society, and citizens alike to prioritize water accessibility as a matter of urgency, stressing that access to clean water is not a privilege, but a basic human right essential for dignity, health, and sustainable development.
He highlighted key threats to water resources across the country, including pollution from illegal mining, industrial waste, and underinvestment in public water systems. He also cautioned against the increasing commodification of water, which he said undermines fair access for vulnerable communities.
In a presentation, the Coordinator of the Africa Water Justice Network, Mr Leonard Shang-Quartey, raised concerns over rising water tariffs and high connection fees, warning that these costs risk excluding vulnerable populations.
Mr Shang- Quartey also cautioned against the increasing use of prepaid water meters, which he said could further limit access for low-income households.
He emphasized that water must be treated as a fundamental human right rather than a commodity, even as the sector faces pressures of commercialization. Despite these challenges, he noted opportunities within the system, including a strong willingness among citizens to pay for reliable services, the potential for community-based water management, and the existence of institutional frameworks that can be strengthened.
The Chairman of WJN, Mr Geoffrey Ocanssey, stated that the Network aims to consistently assess the state of water access in the country, identify key barriers to progress, and promote practical, rights-based solutions.
He added that the Network also seeks to build a unified and active coalition capable of driving sustainable change.
Participants were encouraged to collaborate, share ideas, and develop actionable strategies to address water challenges in Ghana.
Source; Publicagenda.news
