African diplomats and policy experts have warned that clean water may become too expensive and difficult to access in Ghana and across Africa within the next 50 years if governments fail to protect rivers and other water bodies.
They gave the warning during the 2026 African Day Celebration and Leadership Summit at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Teshie, Accra.
The Pan-African Union Agenda 2063 Diplomatic Mission organised the event together with the International Association of World Peace Advocates.
The summit focused on the theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve Agenda 2063″.
Speakers at the event blamed the destruction of rivers and aquatic life on illegal mining, pollution and weak enforcement of environmental laws.
They explained that climate change continues to worsen water shortages across Africa. However, they stressed that human activities, especially illegal mining allegedly supported by powerful individuals and business groups, pose an even greater danger to clean water supplies.
Several guest speakers, including UN Eminent Peace Ambassador and Climate Change Advocate Samuel Ben Owusu, Professor Laud Mensah of the Ministry of Local Government, Professor Wazi Apoh, a Professor of Archaeology, Anthropology and Heritage Studies, and Ambassador Victor Anang, Special Emissary for Political Affairs in Africa, expressed deep concern over the situation.
According to them, African countries could eventually spend large parts of their national budgets importing safe drinking water for homes and industries if leaders fail to act quickly.
The speakers emphasised that every person deserves access to safe drinking water. They described clean water as a basic human right and an essential part of development, peace and public health.
They also urged governments across the continent to show a stronger commitment by arresting and prosecuting people who finance illegal mining activities.
Participants at the summit encouraged greater youth involvement in environmental campaigns.
This year’s African Day celebration comes at a time when the African Union is pushing for stronger investment in sustainable water systems and sanitation facilities, as millions of people across the continent still struggle to access clean drinking water.
The speakers insisted that Ghana must continue its fight against illegal mining with determination and consistency to protect the country’s water bodies and secure a healthier future for the next generation.
