Strict regulations essential to protect Ghana’s water bodies

Gizella Tetteh-Agbotu, the Deputy Minister for Works, Housing, and Water Resources, and Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya West, has called for the enforcement of stringent regulations to protect the nation’s water bodies from pollution, illegal mining, and waste.

Speaking at the 2025 World Water Day Policy Dialogue held at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Tetteh-Agbotu stressed that ensuring the long-term sustainability of the country’s water resources requires immediate action and strong regulation.

During the event, organized by the GIMPA-PURC Centre of Excellence in Public Utility Regulation (CEPUR), Tetteh-Agbotu highlighted the dangers that illegal activities, such as mining and indiscriminate dumping of waste, pose to water bodies. She emphasized that without a concerted effort to curb these activities, Ghana’s water resources could be irreparably damaged, affecting millions who rely on them for daily needs.

“We must implement strict regulations to protect our water bodies. This is not just a matter of environmental protection, but one of national security and public health,” said Tetteh-Agbotu. “We owe it to future generations to preserve our water resources.”

Dr. Mawusi Lumor, Head of Policy Operations at the Water Resources Commission, announced that new regulations would be introduced later this year, which will include hefty fines for individuals and entities responsible for polluting the nation’s water bodies. The measures aim to hold violators accountable and reduce the devastating impact of pollution on aquatic ecosystems and communities.

In addition, Evans Akot-Adzei and executive member of the Ghana Water Limited revealed that the company will implement new drinking water safety plans this year. These plans will span the entire water supply process, from catchment areas to customers’ taps, ensuring cleaner and safer drinking water across the country.

Meanwhile, Professor Samuel Kwaku Bonsu, Rector of GIMPA, called on the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to ramp up public awareness campaigns about the destructive effects of illegal mining on water bodies. Speaking to the press after the policy dialogue, Professor Bonsu emphasized the need for educational efforts to help the public understand the critical importance of water conservation. “Water is life, and we need to ensure that everyone understands the role they play in protecting this vital resource,” he urged.

With Ghana’s water bodies under increasing threat from human activities, the call for stricter enforcement of regulations and heightened public awareness is more pressing than ever. The dialogue on sustainable water management in Ghana serves as a timely reminder of the urgency needed to address these environmental challenges.