The Member of Parliament (MP) for Upper Denkyira West, Rudolf Amoako Gyampah, has called for action to address the country’s escalating water supply challenges.
Making a presentation at Diplomatic Envoy UN Model Conference on SDG 6 in Accra on June 30th, 2025, Amoako Gyampah, expressed alarm over the deteriorating state of the country’s water resources, warning that Ghana is on the brink of a severe water crisis unless swift, coordinated measures are taken.
Citing a recent report from the United Nations, as of 2020, about 2.4 billion people live in water-stressed countries, which are nations that use 25 percent or more of their renewable freshwater resources to meet water needs.
Over 800 million people do not have access to safe drinking, and millions more lack proper sanitation facilities. The impacts are serious, causing great hardships and preventable diseases for many,” he said.
The conference focused on Sustainable Development Goals 6, which aims to ensure clean water and sanitation for all. The 3-day conference brought together great personalities from various parts of the world, including Ghana, United States of America, United Kingdom among others to discuss importance of clean water and better sanitation system.
He said, “as the Member of Parliament for Upper Denkyira West, I have witnessed firsthand how inadequate water infrastructure and sanitation issues impact the health and social wellbeing of underserved communities. Many households in my constituency still lack access to clean drinking water, and defecation remains a public health concern in remote areas.”
This is unacceptable in a country working towards progress and dignity.
He called on all to ensure universal access to safe, affordable drinking water, proper sanitation and hygiene.
“The COVID-19 pandemic also underscored the crucial importance of access to clean water and hygiene in preventing the spread of disease. It is therefore time to reassess our commitments and strengthen our resolve. As a legislator, I believe it is our responsibility to turn policy into tangible results,” he said.
According to Mr Gyampah, “I have been advocating for increased investment in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives, particularly within rural communities where access to safe drinking water remains a significant challenge. This concern is further intensified in mining regions, where illegal mining activities, represent a significant threat to water resources and the environment.
“Clean water and adequate sanitation are essential human rights that must be protected. Therefore, my office has been advocating for collaborative strategies involving district assemblies, traditional authorities, and public private partnerships to ensure effective and sustainable solutions.”
He stated that community-led approaches, which involve local stakeholders, not only empower residents but also ensure that solutions are sustainable and culturally relevant.
“We are currently seeking partnerships with local and international investors to develop borehole networks, eco-friendly toilet systems, and water filtration solutions across my constituency, Upper Denkyira West.
“I wish to take this opportunity to call on the government, NGOs, and private sector entities to scale up investment in WASH for the wellbeing of our communities.
By Benjamin Aidoo
