Kenneth Adjei inaugurates Governing Boards for WRC and CWSA

The Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, inaugurated the Governing Boards of the Water Resources Commission (WRC) and the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA). This set completes the establishment of governing bodies for all agencies under the Ministry.

The ceremony took place at the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources in Accra and brought together officials from the Ministry, development partners, and key sector stakeholders.

Hon. Adjei described the inauguration as a critical milestone in strengthening institutional governance and accountability within Ghana’s water and sanitation sector. He noted that with the installation of the two Boards, all institutions under the Ministry now have fully functional oversight structures as required by law.

Addressing members of the Water Resources Commission Board, the Minister urged them to provide strong strategic oversight to improve the management and utilization of the country’s water resources. He tasked the Board to work towards strengthening existing legal and institutional frameworks and ensuring that major water users adhere to effective and sustainable usage practices.

He also called for greater transboundary collaboration with Ghana’s riparian neighbours, particularly within the framework of the Volta Basin Authority (VBA). He said the expected signing of the VBA Water Charter would be a key legacy of the Ministry and a major step toward sustainable and equitable management of shared water resources.

Turning his attention to the Community Water and Sanitation Agency, Hon. Adjei expressed concern over the failure of significant infrastructure investments to produce long-term benefits. He blamed the situation on systemic governance challenges, insufficient financing for operations and maintenance, and the lack of comprehensive asset management plans.

He charged the CWSA Board to work closely with management to ensure that future water projects are financially sustainable, technically sound, and accessible to all users over time. He also urged the Board to prioritize durability and continuous service delivery over short-term gains.

“Let service standards, not politics define your decisions. Let value for money, not expediency govern your use of resources,” the Minister emphasized.

Hon. Adjei concluded by encouraging all Board members to align their oversight role with the Ministry’s broader vision of universal access to safe, sustainable water and sanitation services.

Board members from both institutions pledged their commitment to supporting the Ministry’s strategic goals and delivering improved outcomes across the sector.