THE WATER RESOURCES COMMISSION
The Water Resources Commission (WRC) was established by an Act of Parliament (Act 522 of 1996) as the overall body responsible for water resources management in Ghana. WRC Act 522 of 1996 provides a comprehensive law to establish a separate water resources management institution in Ghana.
Water resources are now vested in the President for and on behalf of the people of Ghana-Article 12. There is no private ownership of water resources in Ghana Water resources management is consistent with general natural resources management in Ghana and the 1992 Constitution (article 268). The Act prohibits the use of water resources without prior authorization and grant of water use rights from the WRC.
Core Functions of the WRC
Policy and Planning: Propose and implement national policies for integrated water resources management (IWRM).
Water Use Regulation: Grant water use rights and ensure their proper application.
Coordination: Coordinate the activities of institutions involved in water resources management.
Research and Monitoring: Promote scientific research, monitor water resource conditions, and advise government accordingly.
Pollution Control: Collaborate with relevant agencies to monitor and address water pollution.
The Commission is made up of 15 members including the Chairman, the Executive Secretary, a Chief and two other persons, one of whom shall be a woman. The rest are representatives of the following institutions:
- Ghana Water Company Limited;
- Organisations producing potable water;
- Hydrological Services Department;
- Volta River Authority;
- Irrigation Development Authority;
- Water Research Institute;
- Ghana Meteorological Agency;
- Environmental Protection Agency;
- Forestry Commission; and
- Minerals Commission
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