All is set for three communities in three regions to enjoy full water supply as part of government's effort to ensure all persons have access to potable water.
The project, which is in collaboration with the European Investment Bank under the African Sustainable Cities Initiative (ASCI), will take place in Tamale, Damongo and Takoradi and it is expected to serve all communities along that stretch.
In an opening remark, Mr. Amin Abdul -Rahaman, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), noted that the move is a major milestone for the Ministry as it forms part of a broader framework aimed at promoting climate resilience, inclusiveness and equitable urban development.
A kick-off meeting held at the Ministry on Tuesday, 8th July 2025 in Accra in collaboration with key stakeholders from inter-sectorial and international partners saw technical experts drawn from the GFA Consulting Group, an European consulting firm that specializes in development co-operation leading the ASCI Team. Also present were representatives from Regional Coordinating Councils, Ghana Water Company Limited, Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, the Environmental Protection Authority, some Engineers and Analysts among others, sharing rich ideas to make the project a success and impactful to beneficiary communities.
Mr. Abdul -Rahaman commended the selection of Damongo, Tamale, and Sekondi-Takoradi as pilot cities under the ASCI, describing it as a clear affirmation of government’s readiness to implement innovative urban development strategies that align with national priorities and global sustainable goals.
He was of the view that the Tamale-Damongo Water Project is not just a critical infrastructural investment, rather, it symbolises a catalyst for integrated, inclusive, and climate-resilient development in the northern corridor, adding that the project will address the urgent need for reliable, equitable, and sustainable urban water supply systems in the face of environmental stress and rapid urban growth.
According to the Chief Director, in line with the Ministry’s broader strategic approach, a Capacity Building Strategy has been rigorously reviewed and approved under the ASCI framework. This strategy, he indicated, will equip local government actors and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies with the requisite skills, tools, and knowledge for the long-term sustainability and scalability of the project.
He was however excited with the inclusive process, highlighting the Ministry’s commitment to close collaboration with traditional authorities, civil society, and local communities to ensure the project remains “locally grounded, technically sound, and socially responsive.”
He affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to make the Tamale-Damongo Water Project not only a success in water management but a beacon of what collaborative development can achieve in our cities.
Regional Ministers from the project beneficiary communities - Northern Region and Savannah Region were highly expectant of the project observing the difficulties the communities have faced over the years, stressing that reliable water is very paramount to every individual's life and health and pledged their outmost support to ensure the project receives the maximum commitment from the affected communities.
The Tamale - Damongo Water project was conceptualised in 2020, with the Ministry and all other linking partners undertaking the necessary steps for the project to kick start and see the light of day as government is committed to ensuring that the decentralisation agenda is well implemented at the local level.
Source: Chantal Aidoo
Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA