The 50th anniversary of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), held in Accra on Wednesday 23rd July 2025, brought together a wide range of participants including policymakers, researchers, students, and key players in the water sector.
The occasion also marked 60 years of UNESCO’s broader commitment to promoting water science, under the theme, “Science for a Secure Water World in a Changing Environment.”
Delivering a speech on behalf of the Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Mr. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, it was emphasized that science must take center stage in addressing pressing global and national water challenges. These include climate change, increasing populations and the impacts of rapid urbanisation.
Mr Adjei called for stronger sustainable water management efforts, highlighting the importance of public engagement, research collaboration, and practical solutions aimed at protecting Ghana’s water resources and ensuring long-term water security.
The Chairman of the Ghana Committee for UNESCO IHP and Executive Secretary, Prof. Seidu Alidu, expressed worries about the risks posed to water quality by industrial activities and illegal mining. He called for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, greater public awareness initiatives, and more rigorous enforcement of environmental laws.
Furthermore, he highlighted the significance of involving young individuals in water conservation initiatives, emphasizing that educating children early on can enable them to become advocates for positive change in their communities.
Prof. Alidu revealed that the Water Resources Commission is actively overseeing water use across Ghana. He outlined the Commission’s responsibility to issue and monitor licenses for both surface and underground water use, as well as to sanction violators.
He mentioned that the Commission, in collaboration with organizations like the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Ghana Meteorological Agency, and Community Water and Sanitation Agency, regularly conducts studies to evaluate pollution levels and inform water policy development.
The Country Representative for UNESCO, Mr. Edmond Moukala, praised the Ghanaian government for its initiatives to strengthen the water sector and for aligning its programs with the objective of a 24-hour economy by guaranteeing fair access to water.
He highlighted the importance of improving water availability in remote and under-resourced areas, noting that doing so benefits not only public health but also contributes to broader economic progress.
Mr. Moukala emphasized the importance of educating future water specialists, noting that student involvement in the event demonstrates an increasing dedication to water education and responsible management.
