Ensuring Sustainable Industrial Water Practices in Accra, Ghana

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is a global nonprofit research organization that aims to provide water solutions for sustainable, climate-resilient development. IWMI’s West Africa branch engaged the Capstone team to examine the role of industrial water use in the projected economic growth of the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA), one of the most rapidly growing urban centers in the world. The team completed a global literature review and spent three weeks in the field conducting site visits and stakeholder interviews with government officials and industry and nonprofit representatives. The interview findings illuminated ways in which industrial growth is outpacing GAMA’s infrastructure for water use and management. The team’s final report explores potential implications and offers recommendations for ensuring sustainable industrial water practices, including closely monitoring water use and resources going forward. The team produced an accompanying policy brief highlighting strategies from other urban centers facing similar challenges.