Ghana is on the brink of a severe water shortage due to a rapidly declining per capita water supply, exacerbated by population growth and pollution from illegal mining (galamsey), according to Dr. Mawuli Lumor, Director of Policy, Planning, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Water Resources Commission (WRC). Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on October 1, 2025, Lumor highlighted the country’s deteriorating water stress levels.
The WRC’s annual assessment divides Ghana’s estimated 53 billion cubic meters of renewable water by its population. In 2016, per capita water availability was 1,900 cubic meters, but by 2025, it had plummeted to 1,500 cubic meters due to a growing population and static water resources. Pollution from galamsey further reduces usable water, pushing Ghana toward “dangerous grounds.”
Lumor warned that without urgent action, Ghana may follow South Africa’s example, where authorities imposed water restrictions due to shortages. He urged stronger measures to curb pollution and manage demand to avert a crisis that threatens public health and economic stability.
