Ghana to Introduce New Law to Protect Water Resources and Tackle Climate Threats
Ghana will soon introduce new legislation aimed at strengthening the protection of water resources and building resilience against the impacts of climate change, Minister for Works, Housing, and Water Resources Kenneth Gilbert Adjei has announced.
Speaking at the launch of the 2025 World Rivers Day, which will be observed on September 28, the minister said a new legislative instrument would be laid before Parliament to provide stronger legal safeguards for riparian areas, prevent encroachment, and secure river corridors for future generations.
“To build resilience, we will promote integrated water resources management to balance competing demands, restore degraded watersheds through reforestation, protect wetlands, and support community-led conservation,” Adjei said.
The minister also disclosed that the government would revise the national water policy to align with Ghana’s climate commitments, development priorities, and the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation.
Additional measures under consideration include the development of flood early-warning systems and drought contingency plans to reduce the risks associated with extreme weather events.
Adjei called on the public, traditional leaders, civil society, and faith-based organizations to join forces with government in safeguarding water resources. He further pledged to intensify public education campaigns to promote behavioral change and encourage water conservation practices.
These policy shifts are timely as Ghana faces growing pressures from rapid urbanization, pollution, and climate change, which are increasingly straining its water security and threatening livelihoods.
