Accra: Ambassador Dr. Samuel Ben Owusu has called on the government to take urgent and deliberate steps to safeguard water assurance as a national priority for sustainable development. Speaking during the Africa Day Celebration Leadership Summit in Accra on May 25, 2026, under the theme 'Assuring Sustainable Water, Science and Technology, Peace and Security for Development,' Dr. Owusu stressed that water security is inseparable from public health, food security, and economic stability.
According to Ghana Web, Dr. Owusu emphasized that "Water is life, and without assured access to clean, sustainable water sources, every other development agenda is undermined." He highlighted issues such as pollution from illegal mining, poor waste management, and climate change as threats to the country's rivers and water bodies. Dr. Owusu urged the government to strengthen policy enforcement, invest in water treatment infrastructure, and protect catchment areas with the same urgency given to national security.
He also proposed the creation of a coordinated national framework that involves traditional authorities, local government, civil society, and the private sector to monitor and protect water resources. Dr. Owusu called for increased investment in science and technology solutions for water purification, conservation, and recycling. He noted that safeguarding water assurance directly supports peace and security by reducing resource-based conflicts and securing livelihoods for farming and fishing communities across Ghana.
The call was made during the summit organized by the Pan Africa AU Agenda 2063 Office in collaboration with IAWPA Ghana to mark Africa Day and advance policy recommendations for the second decade of Agenda 2063.