A draft National Water Policy, which provides a framework for the development of Ghana’s water resources, was prepared by the Commission and submitted to the Ministry of Works and Housing in January 2002. The draft document is currently being consolidated to include policies, concernin urban water supply and community water and sanitation services. The amendment is to be completed in 2005.

The water resources management part of the National Water Policy is guided by the following:

 The Vision

The policy aims at achieving an efficient and effective management system for the sustainable development of water resources in Ghana to assure full socio-economic benefits for present and future generations.

 The Target

It is targeted at all water users, viz., water managers and practitioners, decision makers, policy makers, NGOs and international organizations.

 The Foundation

The policy is based on the nation’s aspirations as reflected in the following core documents:

» Constitution of the Fourth Republic

» National Development Framework

» Ghana Water Vision 2025

» National Environmental Action Plan

» Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy

» International Agreements and Conventions

  The Guiding Principles include:

» The fundamental rights of all people to safe and adequate water to meet basic human needs.

» Recognising water as a finite and vulnerable resource given its multiple uses.

» Integrating water resources management and development with environmental management in order to ensure the sustainability of water resources in both quantity and quality.