Inclusive water management critical to sustainability – stakeholders

By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY, Tarkwa

The need to promote inclusive water management and ensure equitable access for vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls, has taken centre stage at this year’s World Water Day celebration.

Stakeholders stressed that addressing water challenges goes beyond infrastructure, requiring deliberate policies and actions that integrate gender considerations into water governance.

These concerns were highlighted during the 2026 World Water Day event organised by the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) with support from the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation at Tarkwa in the Western Region.

The event was on the global theme “Water and Gender: Where Water Flows, Equality Grows.”

The programme brought together key stakeholders, community members as well as water and sanitation advocates to reflect on the role of water in sustainable development and gender equality.

A central feature of the event, a stakeholder durbar emphasised water as a critical resource for national development, while drawing attention to challenges such as pollution, inefficient usage and limited access in some communities.

Participants called for practical measures including promoting efficient water use, protecting water bodies from pollution and raising awareness on sustainable water management practices.

They also underscored the importance of advocating inclusive water policies and encouraging active community participation in conservation efforts.

Also, the event recorded the participation of 64 water and sanitation representatives from Tarkwa mine catchment communities, signaling strong community interest in water-related issues.

Project Coordinator at Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, Ms. Ayishetu Mohammed, noted that the Foundation continues to invest in initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods in host communities.

She disclosed that since 2004, the Foundation has committed over US$109 million to corporate social responsibility projects, with more than US$2.6 million channelled into water and sanitation interventions in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem and Prestea-Huni Valley municipalities.

According to her, these investments have contributed to improved access to clean water and better sanitation facilities in beneficiary communities.

“These interventions directly support women and girls by improving access to safe water, reducing the time spent searching for water and creating opportunities for education, work and family life,” she added.

She further highlighted the importance of partnerships in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to clean water and gender equality.

Mrs. Sandra Deladem Woanyah,Project Manager at Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, also commended women working in the water sector, noting that their contributions are vital in shaping policies, managing infrastructure and supporting communities.

She encouraged more young women to pursue careers in the water sector, saying, it is a space where they can lead and make meaningful impact.

“The Foundation has invested over US$109 million in corporate social responsibility initiatives since 2004, with more than US$2.6 million allocated specifically to water and sanitation projects in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem and Prestea-Huni Valley municipalities” she added.

The celebration ended with a renewed call for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, communities and institutions to safeguard water resources and promote equitable access for all.

Ms. Ayishetu Mohammed, Project Coordinator, Gold Fields Ghana Foundation received a recognition from the Geological Engineering Department of UMaT for been instrumental in the management of water resources in the communities.

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