The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission is demanding a complete PURC water sector reform across Ghana, warning that the current state-monopoly framework allows millions of gallons of fresh water to flow into the ocean untreated while households face chronic shortages.
Executive Secretary of PURC, Dr. Shafic Suleman, called for an immediate halt to piecemeal policy tweaks during an appearance on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, November 10, insisting the entire industry needs a total structural restart.
Suleman pointed out that Ghana still operates without a dedicated Water Act to provide a clear legal and regulatory framework for production, distribution, and infrastructure investments.
He argued that constant political reshuffling within the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources has repeatedly disrupted long-term planning, with ministers rarely staying in office long enough to execute meaningful reforms.
"Generally, the water sector in Ghana needs reform. A complete halt of the whole system to reform it. At the moment, we don't even have the Water Act, Suleman said.
"If you care to know, the Ministry for Works, Housing and Water Resources has been the ministry that has seen many reshuffles anytime there is a new government. The minister doesn't stay there for more than two years," - Suleman
"Even as PURC, we are hinging on a very small mandate by setting the tariffs. We are looking at bringing in private sector participation.
"I have indicated that we have a lot of fresh water flowing into the sea. We have only GWL responsible for water production, but in other jurisdictions, there are multiple players." - Suleman
A central pillar of the proposed overhaul involves breaking Ghana Water Company Limited's single-player monopoly by opening bulk water production and distribution to private operators.
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