Massive corruption uncovered in water sector in Ghana

A study conducted by the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) has revealed corruption in the nation’s water delivery.

Findings of the study suggest that lack of transparency and accountability is hampering the attainment of the Millennium Development Goal on potable water provision.

Vitus Azeem, Executive Secretary of Ghana Integrity Initiative said the GII assessed the current situation and identified the dangers of not having transparency and accountability in service provision in the Greater Accra, Volta and Ashanti regions.

The case-study came out with two main types of corruption - grand corruption and petty corruption.

Grand corruption, he explained, has to do with the award of more contracts to one person, therefore eliminating competition completely.

“This has to do with efficiency because you don’t have the capacity to do three contracts at the same time and meet the required deadlines.”

With regard to the petty corruption, Mr Azeem said they are mainly illegal connections; illegal charges especially with regard to new connections; meter tempering; cashiers not declaring the receipts on time amongst others.

“And all these work against the efficient delivery of water to the majority of Ghanaians,” he said.

To address the prevailing situation, the GII report recommended the involvement of civil society in the procurement procedures; reviewing and tightening of existing laws; sanction persons who contravene regulations.

The report also asked donors to put in place measures to ensure transparency and accountability in their agreement.