Goal
Goal 6 aims to “ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.”
For Ghana, this means not only expanding infrastructure to provide safe drinking water but also addressing the critical gap in sanitation and hygiene services, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas. Key priorities include eliminating open defecation, improving wastewater treatment, protecting water resources from pollution, and enhancing resilience to water-related climate shocks.
Community Success
This is driven by local Water and Sanitation Management Teams (WSMTs) and community-led total sanitation (CLTS) initiatives. These grassroots efforts empower communities to manage their own water systems, maintain hygiene standards, and collectively end open defecation, ensuring sustainable water and sanitation solutions from the ground up.
Key Statistics
| SDG Indicator | Statistic (latest year) | Source & Implication |
|---|---|---|
| 6.1.1 – Population using safely managed drinking water | 83.3% (2022) | Ghana Demographic Health Survey(GDHS). Reflects major investments in water infrastructure. |
| 6.2.1 – Population using (a) safely managed sanitation services & (b) hygeine services | (a) 24.3% (b) 50% (2022) | GDHS. Highlights critical gaps in sanitation and hygiene campaigns. |
| 6.3.2 – Water bodies with good ambient water quality | 57.4% (2024) | Water Resources Commission (WRC). Indicates stable, relatively good surface water quality, supporting ecosystem and human health. |
| 6.4.2 – Level of water stress (freshwater withdrawal vs. availability) | 1,673 m³ per capita per year (2024) | WRC. Annual renewable water resources per capita falling below the recommended threshold level of 1700m3/person for the year 2024 |
| 6.5.1 – Degree of integrated water resources management | 55 (Score, 2023) | WRC. Shows progressive improvement in implementing holistic water management approaches. |
| Target | Indicators | |
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6.1 By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all |
6.1.1
Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services |
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6.2 By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations |
6.2.1
Proportion of population using (a) safely managed sanitation services and (b) a hand-washing facility with soap and water |
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6.3 By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally |
6.3.1
Proportion of domestic and industrial wastewater flows safely treated
6.3.2
Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality |
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6.4 By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity |
6.4.1
Change in water-use efficiency over time
6.4.2
Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources |
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6.5 By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate |
6.5.1
Degree of integrated water resources management
6.5.2
Proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water cooperation |
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6.6 By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes |
6.6.1
Change in the extent of water-related ecosystems over time |
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6.a By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies |
6.a.1
Amount of water- and sanitation-related official development assistance that is part of a government-coordinated spending plan |
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6.b Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management |
6.b.1
Proportion of local administrative units with established and operational policies and procedures for participation of local communities in water and sanitation management |
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