Researchers at the College of Engineering of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST) are calling for greater national investment in safe and reliable public water systems following a major study that revealed the economic, environmental and public health costs associated with sachet water consumption in Ghana.
The study, conducted by a KNUST research team with support from United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), found that Ghanaian households spend an estimated GHS 6.45 billion annually on sachet drinking water, which now serves as the primary drinking source for 37.4 percent of the population.
Led by the Provost of the College of Engineering, Prof. Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko, the research covered 911 respondents across the Greater Accra, Ashanti, Volta and Northern Regions.
Other members of the research team include Dr. Eugene Appiah-Effah, Dr. Barbara Gyapong-Korsah, Dr. Victor Osei Kwadwo, Godwin Armstrong Duku and Ebenezer Acquah.
Prof. Biritwum Nyarko explained that although sachet water has become the most accessible option for many households, it poses significant environmental challenges. The study estimates that sachet water consumption generates approximately 84,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually, raising concerns for communities and water bodies across the country.
“The plastics create enormous environmental problems, and we have quantified those costs,” he said. “It makes sense for public investment to focus on improving public water supply systems.”
The researchers also found that households are willing to pay for safe and reliable piped water services, with nearly 59 percent of sachet users indicating they would switch if public water systems were dependable.
Beyond the environmental concerns, the study highlighted major public health implications, particularly for children under five, and estimated that improved public water systems could prevent thousands of diarrhoeal-related deaths over time.
Prof. Biritwum Nyarko noted that the findings demonstrate the need for national conversations around water sustainability, infrastructure investment and public confidence in water systems. He further emphasised the role of universities in shaping national development through evidence-based research and public engagement.
“Our unique position as an academic institution gives us the independence to bring these issues into the public domain for discussion and accountability,” he said.
The researchers stressed that improving public confidence in piped water systems would require not only infrastructure expansion, but also stronger quality assurance, service reliability and public education.
The final report is expected to provide evidence-based policy and investment recommendations to support Ghana’s efforts toward sustainable and equitable drinking water services.
