Approximately 92 per cent of households in Ghana now have access to improved sources of drinking water, representing a significant improvement from the 60.7 per cent recorded in 2000, according to Government Statistician Dr Alhassan Iddrisu.
The latest figures highlight progress in access to potable water across the country, with nearly nine out of every 10 Ghanaian households benefiting from improved drinking water sources as of the 2021 Population and Housing Census.
Dr Iddrisu explained that household access to essential amenities, including drinking water, has improved consistently over the years, based on data collected through successive national population and housing censuses.
According to the Government Statistician, the 2000 Population and Housing Census established that only 60.7 per cent of households had access to improved drinking water sources.
However, the figure increased considerably to 86 per cent in the 2010 census before reaching 92 per cent in 2021.
Speaking on Channel One TV on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Dr Iddrisu said the census findings demonstrate substantial progress in Ghana’s efforts to improve access to safe and reliable drinking water.
He explained that census officials collect information on household assets, facilities and basic amenities to assess living conditions and monitor access to essential services.
He noted that the latest statistics indicate that approximately nine out of 10 households in Ghana now have access to drinking water from improved sources.
Ghana Records Significant Improvement in Potable Water Access
The historical census figures show a steady increase in household access to improved drinking water over the 21-year period between 2000 and 2021.
The figures are as follows:
- 2000: 60.7 per cent of households.
- 2010: 86 per cent of households.
- 2021: 92 per cent of households.
The improvement reflects progress in expanding access to essential water services and improving household living conditions across Ghana.
The findings also provide important information for policymakers and development partners working to strengthen water infrastructure, improve public health and expand access to safe drinking water.
Despite the progress recorded, continued investment in water supply systems, rural water projects and urban water infrastructure remains important to ensuring that more households have reliable access to potable water.
The census findings therefore provide a useful measure of Ghana’s progress towards improving access to basic amenities and achieving sustainable development goals related to clean water and sanitation.
Source: newsthemegh.com