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The Ghana Water Struggle

Mawuli Dake, Ghana National Coalition Against Privatization of Water

Despite the tremendous efforts by Ghanaian activists to stop a World Bank-backed water project in Ghana, three foreign bidders, Veolia, Saur and Vitens/Rand Water, remain committed to taking over Ghana’s urban water.    Nevertheless, The Ghana National Coalition Against Privatization of Water (NCAP) remains undeterred from leading the struggle against the water barons. The coalition has again and again interrupted the completion of the bidding process which was slated for early March 2005. Recent efforts, for instance, have persuaded Biwater, Suez, Thames-RWE and Umgeni water to withdraw from the process. There is uncertainty about the final outcome of the struggle as the Ghanaian government has vowed to complete the process but has failed to do so by all its deadlines.

With intensified international mobilization by the coalition and international solidarity, the bidding companies have been under intense pressure. As part of these efforts, a delegation from the coalition was recently in the home countries of the bidding companies - France, the Netherlands and South Africa at the invitation of the solidarity organizations in these countries. During these visits, meetings were held with officials of the bidding companies, civil society groups and the media.

It is disappointing that even after the direct meeting with these companies they refuse to reconsider their involvement in the process. While Saur and Vitens/Rand Water are yet to officially respond to the demand that was made to them during the meetings, Veolia has responded to categorically state that they are committed to remaining involved. 

We demand that the bidding companies respect the basic principle of corporate social responsibility, and learn from the example of RWE-Thames that has stated: “Not to get involved in communities where they are not welcomed.” The water barons must stop pushing for water privatization against the will and interest of the people of Ghana. We invite the international community to join us to tell French Veolia and Saur; Dutch Vitens and South African Rand Water that “Ghana’s water is not for sale: You are not welcome in the country.”

The struggle continues.

For more information, visit www.GhanaCap.org

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