Professor Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko, a distinguished Professor of Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation Engineering and the Provost of the College of Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi has urged the Government of Ghana and the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources to implement a national programme focused on achieving universal toilet coverage.
During his inaugural lecture on June 27, 2024, at the Great Hall of the University, titled “Universal Access to Water and Sanitation Services: A Myth or Reality,” Professor Biritwum Nyarko advocated for subsidies to assist vulnerable households in constructing and maintaining toilets. This initiative, he said aims to ensure equitable access to sanitation for all. He outlined a comprehensive strategy to achieve universal coverage and access to safe water and sanitation, emphasising sustainable solutions to transform water and sanitation infrastructure and service delivery across urban, small-town, and rural areas.
Professor Biritwum Nyarko recommended a detailed assessment of water supply systems to enhance utilities and foster competition, thereby improving service standards. He also proposed innovative financing mechanisms to extend water access to underserved populations, ensuring no one is left behind. To address the issue of non-functional water and sanitation infrastructure, he proposed structured asset management plans, including allocated budgets for maintenance and renewal, to ensure the sustainability and reliability of the services. This approach aims to prevent the deterioration of existing facilities and improve the overall service delivery.
The need for a robust national Liquid Waste Management Strategy was also emphasised, including a Faecal Sludge Management Programme. This strategy would feature clear regulatory frameworks and financing mechanisms, integrated into local government plans for the safe handling and disposal of faecal sludge, crucial for protecting public health and the environment.
Professor Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko also highlighted the importance of establishing a national framework for Greywater Management. Under this framework, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) would be held accountable for the collection, treatment, and disposal of greywater. He recommended that this initiative align with existing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programmes to promote comprehensive waste management solutions.

The Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson commended Professor Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko’s hard work and his remarkable contributions to the water and sanitation sector in Ghana, Africa, and globally. She noted that the lecture serves as a spotlight on his dedicated research in water quality modelling in water distribution systems, improving access to urban water utilities, greywater treatment and management, and the sustainability of water and sanitation services.
Mr. Andrews Kwasi Boateng, the Registrar of the University, highlighted the purpose of the inaugural lecture, noting that it offers a unique opportunity for newly appointed professors to introduce themselves and present an overview of their contributions to the society. “KNUST, in keeping with best practices in academia, has made inaugural lectures a cardinal part of the academic life experience of all our professors,” he remarked.