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Paper short abstract:

This study examined the institutional and policy framework governing water service delivery in urban Ghana. It identified four central themes in the sector: institutional mandates and operations, institutional progress, challenges faced, and coping strategies employed by key stakeholders.

Paper long abstract:

This study examined the institutional and policy framework governing water service delivery in urban Ghana. Through qualitative data analysis, 23 key informants’ interviews from both governmental and non-governmental stakeholders were analysed. Four central themes that emerged were their mandates and operations, institutional progress, challenges faced, and coping strategies employed by key stakeholders. While the study identified some degree of institutional progress, it also noted overlapping mandates among key utilities. Several critical challenges in the water sector were highlighted, including inadequate collaboration among stakeholders, environmental threats such as water pollution, political interference, and financial constraints. These factors hinder progress toward achieving sustainable water services. Additionally, negative public attitudes toward water tariffs complicate operational activities, underscoring the need for community sensitization initiatives. However, there are opportunities for improved water management through collaborative partnerships among government bodies, non-governmental organizations, and local communities. Institutions like the Water Research Institute play a vital role by providing essential data and research insights that inform policies aimed at sustainable water resource management. This study advocates for innovative approaches, such as decentralizing water supply systems and investing in efficient resource management strategies, to better serve communities. It also emphasizes the importance of enhancing civic education to foster public accountability and engagement. By addressing institutional and socio-cultural factors, this study underscores the necessity for comprehensive reforms that position water as a shared common good, highlighting collaborative governance as a pathway to improve access and ensure sustainability in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 6.