The Volta Regional Chief Manager of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Ing Francis Lamptey, has called on Ghanaians to champion sustainable water practices and protect the country’s water resources for future generations.

Speaking at an event in Sorkode Lokoe to mark World Water Day, Ing Lamptey engaged residents and students from Mawuli and Ola Senior High Schools in Ho, emphasising the need to safeguard water bodies from illegal mining and pollution. He urged stakeholders to take deliberate steps to conserve water, ensuring its sustainable use.“The collective effort to protect and conserve our water resources will restore polluted water bodies and secure clean water for all,” he stated.

Ing Lamptey underscored the importance of promoting fair water usage in households and communities, stressing that equal access to clean water was essential to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Six — clean water and sanitation for all.He highlighted the challenges posed by illegal mining (galamsey) and improper waste disposal, noting these activities significantly contributed to water pollution and increased the cost of treatment. He also emphasised the impact of climate change on Ghana’s water resources.

Despite these challenges, he assured the public GWCL was taking steps to enhance water accessibility and efficiency by expanding production capacity and modernising infrastructure to reduce water loss in the Volta Region.Ing Lamptey reiterated water was crucial for the country’s economic development, serving domestic, industrial, agricultural, and recreational purposes. He, therefore, called for a united front in conserving water to ensure all citizens benefitted from clean and safe water resources.

“Rivers such as the Volta, Pra, Densu, Birim and Ankobra are some of Ghana’s major water sources. However, practices such as illegal mining (galamsey), indiscriminate waste disposal, farming close to river bodies and inefficient water use negatively affect the quality and quantity of our resources,” he bemoaned.World Water Day, celebrated annually on 22 March, highlights the global importance of freshwater conservation.

As part of the observance, the GWCL management used the occasion to educate students on their role in promoting awareness about harmful practices that endanger water conservation efforts.

Highlighting the significance of the day, he noted it served as a reminder of the fundamental role water played in sustaining life. 

“It is a day to reflect, to act, and most importantly, to conserve Water, as we all know, is not merely a resource; it is the lifeblood of our planet. It nourishes our bodies, sustains our ecosystems, and fuels our industries but as vital as water is, it is a finite resource.” he said.“Astonishingly, less than 1% of the earth’s freshwater is accessible for human use, and yet, billions of people across the globe face water scarcity daily.

“This year’s theme, “Water Conservation” compels us to take a closer look at how we interact with water in our daily lives. Every drop counts, and every action matters. Conservation is not just a necessity; it is our responsibility.”

Ing Lamptey revealed approximately 2.2 billion people lacked access to safe drinking water, adding unsustainable practices and climate change were depleting the our water sources.He noted in 2025, half of the world’s population could be living in water-stressed areas.

He stated in the face of these challenges, there was hope, however. He said that hope lay in our collective actions.

Conservation starts with simple, yet powerful, steps, he underlined. He added there was a need to be conscious about fixing leaky taps and pipes to prevent wastage, reusing and recycling water wherever possible, and adopting water-efficient technologies and practices.

He emphasised the need for personal and mass education about the value of water.

“But conservation is not just about saving water; it is about valuing it. We must shift our mindset from abundance to appreciation, from wastefulness to wisdom. As individuals, as communities, and as nations, we have the power to make a difference,” he appealed.

He acknowledged though the GWCL was expected to produce approximately 30,000 cubic metres per demands, the system was only producing 11,000 cubic metres. He assured management was committed to ensuring water supply, that notwithstanding.

He urged those who were building in new and developing areas, to consult GWCL for ideas to facilitate efficient water supply to reduce unnecessary burden on the company.

“On this World Water Day, let us pledge to be mindful stewards of this precious resource. Let us inspire change, champion sustainable practices, and ensure that future generations inherit a world where water flows freely and fairly for all,” he said. 

Ing Lamptey assured residents across the region of the GWCL's commitment to ensuring good and quality water supply even as management speds up efforts to expand the Kpeve headworks.

Meanwhile, the Regional Manager of the Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC), Philip Agbezudor, urged Ghanaians and residents within the Volta regional capital Ho to ensure they valued water and paid their water bills on time to avoid disconnections.

He lamented some households intentionally delayed payment of their water bills, a practice which negatively impacted the service delivery of the company.

He called for a positive attitude towards water and support for the GWCL to deliver their services.

On his part, the Assembly Man for the Sokorde Gborgame Electoral Area, Mac Billion Bansah, urged the management of the GWCL to speed up efforts on the expansion project from Akrofu to Sokorde communities.

This project when finished, according to him, will reduce water scarcity within the Sokorde township and adjoining communities.