Gov’t to reset legal, policy framework to strengthen water governance" — Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources

The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has announced that the government is set to reset the country’s legal and policy framework as part of sweeping measures to protect and sustainably manage Ghana’s rivers.

Speaking at the launch of World Rivers Day in Accra, the Minister said a new Legislative Instrument on Buffer Zones will be enacted to provide legal protection for riverbanks and prevent encroachment, while a revised National Water Policy will guide future reforms.

“Our rivers are in peril, and we must act with urgency. Laws must not remain on paper — they must bite,” Hon. Adjei stated, adding that strict enforcement and policy alignment with the SDGs and climate commitments will form the backbone of the renewed water governance agenda.

The theme for this year’s celebration, “Our Rivers, Our Future,” reflects the growing concern over the degradation of Ghana’s water bodies due to illegal mining, pollution, deforestation and climate impacts.

The Minister emphasized that the government will intensify the crackdown on illegal mining and also support alternative livelihoods for affected youth.

He outlined plans under a "Big Push Agenda for Water Infrastructure" to expand treatment facilities, upgrade distribution networks, and promote rural water access, calling for stronger citizen participation, traditional leadership involvement, and private sector collaboration.

“Protecting rivers means protecting our future,” he stressed, calling for a national mindset shift to view water as a finite and priceless resource.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith