Ghana’s Path to Sustainable Water Supply: Reforming Rural and Small-Town Water Management for SDG 6

As the global deadline to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) approaches, Ghana faces critical decisions in its efforts to secure clean water and sanitation for all. At the heart of these efforts lies the challenge of sustainably managing water supply services, particularly in rural and small-town areas. At the 2024 Mole WASH Conference, WaterAid Ghana presented an in-depth analysis of the nation’s water management models, revealing both the significant strides Ghana has made and the obstacles that remain.

Evaluating Ghana’s Water Supply Progress: A Mixed Picture

Over the last two decades, Ghana has made notable progress in expanding access to water services, with national coverage rising from 54% in 2000 to 74% in 2022. This success is largely attributed to policy initiatives and investments in infrastructure, led by institutions such as the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA). However, despite these gains, the sustainability of water services remains fragile, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas, where community-based management (CBM) models predominate.

CBM systems, managed by Water and Sanitation Management Teams (WSMTs), are widely adopted but often plagued by high rates of non-functionality. Lack of financial support, inadequate technical assistance, and fragmented regulatory oversight contribute to the vulnerability of these services. In contrast, Small Water Enterprises (SWEs) and CWSA-supervised systems receive better technical and organizational support, yet they too face financial challenges, particularly with respect to operational and capital maintenance costs.

The Management Models: CWSA, SWEs, and WSMTs

The analysis presented at the conference assessed the performance of three primary management models for rural and small-town water supply: the CWSA, SWEs, and WSMTs. Each model was evaluated across 13 indicators, grouped into four key dimensions: technical support, financial support, organizational development, and monitoring and regulation.

1. CWSA-Supervised Systems: The CWSA oversees water supply in many small towns, providing technical guidance and management support. These systems benefit from clearer institutional frameworks and better access to external financing, though operational costs and long-term financial sustainability remain pressing issues.
2. Small Water Enterprises (SWEs): SWEs, which are privately run, offer professionalized management that often results in more reliable service delivery. However, their operations are limited by weak regulatory oversight and financial constraints, particularly in rural areas where user fees may not cover maintenance costs.
3. Community-Based Management (WSMTs): WSMTs, which rely on volunteerism and community engagement, struggle the most. With limited technical expertise and insufficient financial resources, these teams often face difficulties maintaining infrastructure and ensuring continuous service delivery.

Key Challenges: Financial Viability and Regulatory Weaknesses

One of the most significant findings from the analysis is the financial instability across all management models. Rural water supply services, in particular, lack the necessary budget allocations to cover both operational and capital maintenance expenses. For instance, WSMTs often rely on volunteer labor, which undermines the long-term viability of these systems, while SWEs face challenges in attracting private investment due to regulatory uncertainties.

Moreover, the regulatory frameworks governing water supply services remain fragmented. The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), responsible for overseeing tariffs and service quality, has limited reach in rural and peri-urban areas, leading to inconsistent monitoring and accountability. This lack of oversight further compounds the difficulties faced by WSMTs and SWEs, leaving many communities vulnerable to service disruptions.

Recommendations for Strengthening Water Supply Management

To address these challenges, the authors of the study presented several key recommendations aimed at reforming the management and regulatory frameworks governing water supply in rural and small-town areas:

1. Clarify Institutional Roles: A comprehensive policy framework is needed to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of CWSA, SWEs, and WSMTs. The study recommends amending the CWSA Act to formalize the role of SWEs and establish clear guidelines for WSMT operations, moving away from volunteer-based models toward professionalized management.
2. Strengthen Regulatory Oversight: Expanding the regulatory scope of the PURC to include all water supply models is essential for ensuring consistency in licensing, tariff setting, and service quality. A robust regulatory framework would also help attract private sector participation by providing clearer rules and greater financial security for investors.
3. Improve Financial Support Mechanisms: Innovative financing mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships and microfinance schemes, are needed to address the funding gaps that hinder the sustainability of water services. The study also advocates for an increase in government budget allocations for WASH services, particularly in rural areas, to ensure that critical infrastructure can be maintained and expanded.
4. Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing: To ensure long-term sustainability, municipal and district assemblies must be equipped to provide technical and financial support to WSMTs. Capacity-building programs, coupled with peer-learning networks, would allow management teams to share best practices and develop innovative solutions to local water supply challenges.
5. Scale-Up Professionalized Management Models: The study emphasizes the need to expand professionalized management under both SWEs and CWSA. By setting targets for service coverage and providing incentives for private sector participation, Ghana can increase the reliability and sustainability of its rural water supply services.

The Path Forward: A Systems-Based Approach to SDG 6

The analysis presented at the 2024 Mole WASH Conference underscores the importance of adopting a systems-based approach to rural and small-town water management. By clarifying institutional roles, strengthening regulatory oversight, and enhancing financial support mechanisms, Ghana can build on its progress toward SDG 6 and ensure that water supply services are both accessible and sustainable for all.

Ghana’s success in achieving SDG 6 will depend not only on infrastructure development but also on the effective management of water services at the community level. The recommendations outlined in this study provide a clear path forward, one that prioritizes professionalized management, financial sustainability, and regulatory reform. With the right policy changes and investments, Ghana can lead the way in demonstrating how rural and small-town water systems can thrive, setting an example for other nations working toward universal water access.

As the 2030 deadline for SDG 6 approaches, Ghana must seize this opportunity to address the gaps in its water management systems and ensure that every citizen, regardless of where they live, has access to clean, safe water.

Written by Aliu Fauzia, Advocacy, Campaigns, and Inclusion Manager, and Mutala Abdul-Mumin, WASH Monitoring and Financing Senior Advisor