The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) is calling for integrity in the water sector of the country.

The group believes the water sector, in all its facets, is pregnant with corruption and must be tackled with a sense of urgency.

On the occasion of the World Water Day, the group, in a statement, called for more transparency accountability and integrity.

The following is the full statement;

World Water Day 2018: Providing Clean and affordable Water requires integrity

The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) joins various stakeholders in the water sector to commemorate the World Water Day.

We note that water is a high-risk area for corruption as there are less regulatory gaps in water management, which creates loopholes to exploit. Water management is viewed as a largely technical issue in most countries and is still regarded as an engineering challenge involving huge financial investment. Questionable procurement, embezzlement of huge water funds, illegal connection and consumption of water are some of the key integrity challenges in the water sector.

Exploring integrity in the water sector is therefore fundamental in ensuring water is provided in an atmosphere of transparency, accountability and integrity.  Integrity in the water sector is a shared responsibility requiring government, the private sector and active civil society advocacy.

It is important to take stock of the key integrity challenges in the water sector and put in place stringent monitoring mechanisms at the local and national levels to prevent corruption.

We are of the conviction that integrity is critical in providing clean, reliable and affordable water for all especially the poor and in achieving Goal 6 of the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals which clearly states that access to safe water and sanitation and sound management of freshwater ecosystems are essential to human health and to environmental sustainability and economic prosperity.    

We, therefore, call on all water sector players to pursue a collective and unified partnership with a clear message that promotes zero tolerance for corruption in the water sector.