Ghana's Urban Water Sector: Post-Privatization Challenges and Reversion to State Control
Ghana's urban water sector, re-nationalized in 2011 after a failed privatization with AVRL, faces ongoing service delivery challenges. Increased investment and active civil society involvement are crucial for addressing the inefficiencies in water provision.
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Following the privatization of its urban water sector in 2006, Ghana reverted to state control in 2011 due to the consistent failure of Aqua Vitens Rand Limited (AVRL) to meet contractual obligations. The government had contracted AVRL under a management fee agreement, but AVRL's lack of financial investment led to unmet expectations regarding water quality and service delivery.
The Ghana Water Company Limited, which regained control, continues to struggle with inefficiencies and poor water supply. Comparatively, Uganda's water utility reforms, which avoided a management hiatus, have been more successful. The Ghana-Uganda partnership highlights the need for vigilant civil society engagement to ensure equitable water access and prevent the prioritization of profit over public service.
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