The event, held on Wednesday, March 25, was on the global theme “Water and Gender: Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” and brought together students from Holy Spirit Preparatory School, Kpeve Model School, Kpeve Tornu Junior High School, and Tsokpokope Primary and JHS. As part of the celebration, pupils were taken on a guided tour of the water treatment facility, where they were introduced to the various stages of water production, from intake and treatment to storage and distribution. 

Mr Emmanuel Johnson, the Volta Regional Chief Manager of Ghana Water Limited, explained that World Water Day, observed globally every March 22, served as a reminder that water was essential to life and that its protection was a shared responsibility. He noted that this year’s theme underscored the unequal burden water scarcity places on women and girls, particularly in rural communities where they often spent long hours fetching water. 

“When communities have reliable access to safe water, it frees women and girls to pursue education, careers, and leadership roles. Improving water services is not only about infrastructure; it is about dignity, health, and equality,” he said. Mr Johnson added that although the global date fell within the Eid holidays, the regional office deliberately rescheduled the event to ensure student participation and learning.

 He emphasised that water remained central to life, health, and development, stressing that access to safe water reduces the incidence of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea, while also supporting economic activities, education, and industry. “Water is both an economic and social good. While it requires significant investment to treat and distribute, our mission goes beyond profit to ensure that every community has access to safe and reliable water,” he stated. 

He explained that the Kpeve Water Treatment Plant sources raw water from the Volta River, which undergoes processes including filtration, disinfection, and pH adjustment before being pumped to communities such as Ho, Kpeve, Have, and Peki. He stated that the Volta Region produces millions of litres of treated water daily through multiple systems, requiring continuous investment in infrastructure, skilled personnel, and maintenance. He however warned that water security remained under threat from pollution caused by illegal mining, indiscriminate waste disposal, agricultural chemicals, and poor sanitation practices. He also raised concerns about encroachment around water facilities, noting that construction activities near treatment plants pose risks to water quality, infrastructure maintenance, and future expansion. 

“These developments increase operational risks and discourage further investment in water systems,” he cautioned. Mr Johnson urged students to play their part in protecting water resources by avoiding littering, conserving water, and educating others on environmental stewardship. “Every drop of water we treat requires energy, chemicals, and expertise. We must not take it for granted,” he added. 

Mr Eric Avornyo, the Kpeve Station Manager, led the students through the technical processes at the facility, explaining the abstraction of raw water, treatment using chemicals such as hypochlorite for disinfection and lime for pH adjustment, as well as filtration and distribution systems. The interactive session allowed students to ask questions and gain practical understanding of how safe drinking water was produced and supplied to households. Mr Emmanuel Ankrah, the Assembly Member for Kpeve New Town, also underscored the importance of water access as a driver of social equity. “Water is life, but it is also a gender issue. When access improves, girls stay in school, women engage in economic activities, and communities thrive. Where water flows, equality grows,” he said. He called for greater investment in water systems and inclusive decision-making that empowers women in water management. 

The event ended with a call on all citizens to protect water sources, respect buffer zones around water infrastructure, and use water responsibly to ensure sustainability for future generations. Participants were also encouraged to pay their water bills regularly and conveniently from the comfort of their homes by using the Water App or the *1010# short code. 

Information gathered by the Ghana News Agency further indicates that customers who persistently default on payments have been taken to court as part of efforts to enforce compliance and sustain service delivery.