Hydro-political assessment of water governance from the top-down and review of literature on local level institutions and practices in the Volta Basin

Water resource management / Governance / River basin development / Water law / Colonialism / Institutions / Social participation / Women / Water use

Water users' associations and integrated water resources management in Ghana

Water Users' Associations (WU As), are important component of  participatory governance arrangement for sustainable management of water resources in Ghana. At present, WUAs' are not organised in their respective sectors to function effectively. However, a number of the groups exist, evidenced by their governance structure, membership status, experience and knowledge in various sectors of the economy that are relied upon by public institutions especially in times of crisis. Although they offer a number of opportunities that are acquiescent for use in water governance. WUAs are besieged by a myriad of weaknesses and threats that need to be minimised to achieve their objectives. The current legal and institutional framework does not provide clear roles and or  responsibilities with regards to integrated water resources management(I WRM) for WU As. Thus. the WU As in Ghana do not seek to promote the IWRM as they seek to promote the socio-economic interests of their membership.It is recommended that the formation of WUAs be  encouraged and supported to play key roles expected of WUAs in IWRM inGhana