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Access to clean and potable water, as outlined in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 6, is a basic human right that remains a challenge for millions worldwide.
As of 2020, approximately 2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water services, and an estimated 4.2 billion people lack access to safe sanitation facilities (Sustainable Development Goals Report, 2022).
The water crisis has severe impacts on health, well-being, and productivity, leading to millions of deaths each year from waterborne diseases like cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid fever.
Women and girls are disproportionately affected, spending hours collecting water and facing risks of violence and harassment due to inadequate sanitation facilities.
In Ghana, the water and sanitation crisis is severe, affecting millions in urban and rural areas with flooding, poor management, scarcity, and limited access to sanitation facilities.
This emergency has significant public health and economic implications. Lack of safe water and sanitation also limits productivity and economic potential, perpetuating poverty. Marginalized communities are often excluded from basic services and infrastructure.
Urgent action by authorities in the country is needed to ensure access to safe and sustainable water and sanitation for all.
The recent 3rd PURC held at Kempinski Hotel in Accra, a regulatory conversation forum, calls for collective action to accelerate change, especially in Ghana, where the crisis is critical.
