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Water Privatisation in Ghana? An Analysis of Government and World Bank Policies

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Summary

- from the Introduction


"There is a long history of social struggle in Ghana, as in many other countries, around the principles of social equity, and the accountability and transparency of governments and international creditors. It is in this context that the current struggle around the issue of access to safe and affordable water should be viewed. The underlying cause of the conflict is the issue of affordability. Should water be available and affordable to all or affordable only to a few privileged households and businesses? Increasingly, clean water has become a commodity in Ghana - a commodity that too many people in urban and rural areas cannot regularly afford. Part I of this article is an analysis of the policies of the Government of Ghana and the World Bank in relation to issues of water access and water privatisation. The possiblity of options to privatisation of the urban water system in Ghana are explored. Part II is an interview with Rudolf Amenga-Etego, of the Integrated Social Development Centre in Ghana, who presents his views about the situation and sets forth the concerns of many citizens who seek access to safe and affordable water.


It appears that the Government of Ghana, with the backing of the World Bank, has concluded that privatisation of the urban water system is the appropriate policy option for the country. Unfortunately, there has not been broad-based, open public discussion among the government, citizens and donors about the full range of alternative water management options. In fact, there has been very little transparency or citizen involvement in Government or World Bank decisions related to the water privatisation process. Citizens are concerned that management decisions are driven more by economic considerations than by considerations related to issues such as social equity, public health, and environmental preservation. Concern is also growing as the news spreads about the negative impact of water privatisation in other countries."


Publisher: Integrated Social Development Centre and Globalization Challenge Initiative.

Contact: isodec@ghanacom, ramenga@isodec.org.gh OR global.challenge@juno.com

Globalization Challenge Initiative