Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Dr. Louisa Hannah Bissiw is advocating six months compulsory jail term for persons guilty of illegally tapping water. That should be an addition to the culprits being slapped with fines for whatever they may have consumed illegally. Outlining the government's vision for the ministry on her 18th month in office, she said her mandate was to work towards ensuring availability and accessibility of water to every Ghanaian. Dr. Hannah Bissiw said it was important for the rest of the people to find ways of telling those criminals to "leave us alone" to enjoy the water which we paid for instead of them making use of it without paying. The minister said the ministry has a crucial role to play when it comes to the country's economic growth and poverty alleviation, pointing out that the ministry welcomes suggestions from people with the requisite knowledge to input into its programmes. She pointed out that it was high time the country overcame the perennial water shortages, adding that the age-old problem of water shortage could be solved if issues concerning the ministry are taken seriously by all. She said the time had come for the country to generate more energy and export some to boost the national economy. To ensure that every part of the country is supplied with the needed water, the deputy minister said the ministry would continue to initiate new programmes and build more dams to help ease the water shortage in the country. Story by Akwasi Nsiah/Asempa fm/Ghana