The Deputy Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Gizella Tetteh Agbotui, has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to protect Ghana’s water resources, as the country marked World Water Day 2026.
She made the call during the inauguration of an upgraded wastewater treatment plant by Nutrifoods Ghana Limited in Accra.
The modern facility was expected to save at least 8,000 litres of water daily, equivalent to approximately 16,000 sachets, enabling the water to be reused for irrigation and green belt development.
Designed by the Danish firm Alumichem, the plant also converts sludge into energy through a biogas process, supporting renewable energy generation while reducing industrial waste.
Vital resource
The Deputy Minister described water as a vital resource for life, health and national development, emphasising the need for equitable and sustainable access for all.
She expressed concern that less than four per cent of wastewater in Ghana is treated, while over 95 per cent is discharged untreated into the environment, posing serious risks to ecosystems and public health.
To address these challenges, the Ministry was developing a legislative instrument to regulate wastewater discharge and promote environmental sustainability across the country.
“Safeguarding our water resources is essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for social equity,” the deputy minister said.
She urged industries to adopt efficient wastewater treatment technologies and commended the successful deployment of the modern effluent treatment plant, describing it as a significant step toward sustainable industrial practices and water conservation in Ghana.
Growing demand
Mrs Tetteh-Agbotui lauded the Embassy of Denmark in Ghana for facilitating the technology, highlighting the importance of partnerships in promoting environmentally responsible industrial operations.
She also used the occasion to encourage industries nationwide to prioritise wastewater management, stressing that large volumes of industrial effluent must be treated responsibly to protect natural resources.
She further noted the growing demand for water in Ghana’s construction sector, particularly due to ongoing infrastructure projects, stressing that contractors consume significant quantities of water for activities such as concrete production and road construction.
The Deputy Works and Housing Minister thus recommended the use of treated wastewater for non-potable purposes such as road works and dust suppression, to help preserve potable water for domestic and industrial use.
Commitment
The Business and Country Head of Nutrifoods Ghana Limited, Jay Anjaria, said the project demonstrated the company’s commitment to responsible production and environmental stewardship. Undertaken in collaboration with the Royal Danish Embassy in Ghana, the initiative aims to showcase practical solutions for industrial wastewater management and inspire similar investments across the country.
Mr Anjaria explained that beyond water treatment, the facility incorporates sustainable energy practices.
He said sludge generated from the process is transported to a biogas facility, where it is converted into electrical energy, reducing waste and contributing to renewable energy generation.
Mr Anjaria emphasised that the investment reinforces Nutrifoods’ commitment to operating responsibly within Ghanaian regulations while collaborating with regulators and development partners.
Warning
The Accra East Regional Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, Samuel Oteng, cautioned that water pollution was increasing due to human activities, including improper waste disposal, detergents and urban runoff.
He stressed that pollution poses serious health risks and could exacerbate water scarcity if not addressed.
He said that the EPA continues to enforce standards by monitoring indicators such as pH, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and conductivity to ensure compliance.
“If we fail to act, we risk damaging our water sources and public health,” Mr Oteng warned.
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