The Minister for Works and Housing, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has revealed that despite widespread access to basic water services in Ghana, fewer than half of the population enjoys safely managed water supply.

Citing data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) and the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP), the minister said approximately 88 per cent of Ghanaians have access to basic water services.

However, only 44 per cent are served by safely managed water systems that meet international standards.

“Safely managed water services refer to improved water sources that are available on premises, accessible when needed, and free from contamination. Unfortunately, only 44 per cent of the population currently benefits from such services,” Mr Adjei said at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

He explained that the national figures mask deep inequalities between urban and rural communities. While urban water access stands at about 96 per cent, rural access averages 74 per cent, with some regions recording levels as low as 42 per cent.

Mr Adjei cautioned that even in areas officially classified as having access, water supply is often irregular and unreliable, particularly in underserved communities.

Addressing urban water delivery, the minister identified non-revenue water as a major challenge, estimating losses at about 50 per cent—twice the global benchmark of 25 per cent.

He noted that the situation significantly affects efficiency and the financial viability of water service providers.

The minister further disclosed that close to four million people in Ghana still depend on unimproved, limited or surface water sources, exposing them to serious health and environmental hazards.

He attributed the persistent challenges in the water sector to ageing infrastructure, inadequate investment in maintenance, weak cost recovery systems, high operational expenses, pollution of water bodies, and the growing impact of climate change on water availability.