Water Resource Management in Ghana-The Case of the Ekumfi District

ABSTRACT

 Worldwide, safe and reliable water supply has become an increasingly essential element of development programmes designed to sustain human life. The Ekumfi district like many parts of Ghana faces water related stresses such as pollution, deforestation especially around water bodies, and low quantity of pipe-borne water supply among other issues. Problems of this nature have often been attributed to weak institutional roles of institutions in charge of water resource management. This study therefore sought to analyse the role of stake-holders especially the CWSA. In light of this, the study adopted the case study design and mixed method strategy to collect data. From the findings, it was revealed that the general capacity level of the CWSA as an institution was low which hampered the smooth operation of its responsibilities. It was also revealed that although there was a strong coordination between the district assembly and the CWSA (DWST), the involvement of other related water agencies in water resource management in the district was very limited. The study also identified that to some level, community members were involved in water resources management although, participation at the district level was not very much encouraged. Lastly, it was highlighted that rules and regulations on water in the district were not being adequately enforced by authorities and hence communities were not sufficiently adhering to these rules and regulations. As a result, it has been suggested that, institutions in charge of water resource management should be well capacitated to ensure safe supply of water. Strong inter-institutional coordination and collaborations as well as effective community participation in planning and implementation of water projects should be encouraged, to help eliminate water related stress in the district.