President John Mahama has revealed plans to overhaul Ghana’s water sector and involve private players in supplying industrial water, aiming to strengthen manufacturing and improve competitiveness.

Speaking at the Presidential Dialogue with the Private Sector in Accra on Monday, the President stressed the urgent need for a reliable water supply for factories.

“The same applies to water. Water supply for manufacturing must be addressed. We must reform the water sector and include private sector participation in the supply of industrial water,” he said.

President Mahama noted that while high energy costs and inconsistent electricity remain major obstacles for industries, inadequate water provision is increasingly affecting production.

He highlighted that Ghana’s industrial tariffs are less competitive than those of regional peers and stressed that sustainable industrialisation cannot occur under conditions of high utility costs and unreliable service delivery.

He explained that the government will engage private sector partners to complement public utilities and meet the rising demand for industrial water, particularly as manufacturing activity expands.

Energy and water sector reforms, he said, are essential foundations for Ghana’s industrial takeoff.

The President further outlined that broader structural reforms will target corporate taxation, machinery import duties, and fair trade enforcement to boost investment and growth.

He assured the private sector of continuous dialogue and urged businesses to focus on local production, job creation, skills development, and adherence to international standards to drive sustainable industrial development.