Author: Victoria Beeko Danso || Broadcast Journalist, GN Media (ATV)
The recent discovery of a makeshift sachet water production facility operating under unhygienic conditions by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) should serve as a wake-up call to all Ghanaians.
In a country where sachet water has become the primary source of drinking water for millions of people, ensuring the safety and quality of packaged water is not merely a regulatory obligation—it is a public health imperative.
Over the past two decades, sachet water, popularly known as “pure water,” has evolved from a convenience product into a necessity for many households.
According to Ghana’s 2021 Population and Housing Census, sachet water is now the leading source of drinking water in the country, used by 37.4 percent of households. In urban communities, the figure rises dramatically to 51.5 percent, making sachet water the dominant source of drinking water for city dwellers.
This growing dependence means that any compromise in the quality of sachet water can have serious consequences for public health. The emergence of unlicensed and poorly regulated producers operating from makeshift structures raises concerns about contamination, disease outbreaks, and the overall integrity of Ghana’s water supply chain.
The challenge is further highlighted by findings from UNICEF Ghana, which indicate that 76 percent of households in Ghana are at risk of consuming water contaminated with faecal matter at the point of use.
Even more concerning is the fact that 93 percent of households do not treat their water before drinking it. These figures suggest that many Ghanaians place considerable trust in the safety of packaged and household water sources, making quality assurance all the more important.
Unsafe drinking water remains one of the leading causes of waterborne diseases worldwide. Contaminated water can transmit illnesses such as cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery, diarrhoea, and hepatitis A.
In Ghana, where outbreaks of cholera and other sanitation-related diseases have periodically affected communities, the proliferation of unregistered water producers presents an avoidable risk.
While Ghana has made significant progress in expanding access to improved drinking water sources—with 92 percent of households now having access to improved sources—the issue of water quality remains as important as access itself.
Safe water is not simply water that is available; it is water that has been properly treated, stored, transported, and packaged under hygienic conditions.
The FDA’s intervention therefore deserves commendation. By identifying and shutting down illegal operations, the Authority is helping to protect consumers from potentially dangerous products. However, regulation alone cannot solve the problem. Consumers also have a role to play.
Ghanaians must be vigilant about the products they purchase and consume. Sachet and bottled water should always bear the appropriate FDA registration details and proper labeling.
Consumers should be wary of products with poor packaging, unclear branding, or suspicious distribution channels. Retailers must equally ensure that they source products only from licensed manufacturers.
The issue of water safety extends beyond illegal production facilities. Environmental degradation, poor sanitation, indiscriminate waste disposal, and pollution of water bodies continue to threaten the country’s water resources. UNICEF has warned that contamination often occurs not only at the source but also during transportation, storage, and handling within households.
As Ghana continues to urbanize and as dependence on packaged water grows, the nation must strengthen enforcement mechanisms, improve public education on water hygiene, and support investments in safe water production. Regulatory agencies need adequate resources to monitor producers regularly, while local authorities must work closely with communities to identify and report illegal operators. Access to safe drinking water is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of national development. The recent FDA operation should not be viewed merely as an isolated enforcement exercise. Rather, it should remind us that every sachet of water consumed by a child, worker, student, or family member carries an expectation of safety.Protecting that expectation requires collective action from regulators, producers, retailers, and consumers alike. In the end, safeguarding water quality is not just about compliance—it is about protecting lives.The message is simple: when water safety is compromised, public health is endangered. Ghana cannot afford to take that risk and must therefore go to every length permissible to curb it.
About The Writer
Victoria Beeko Danso is a Broadcast Journalist, writer, and Development Communication professional, as well as a climate change advocate. She uses media as a tool to drive conversations that influence policy, promote sustainable development, and inspire social change. With a background in Development Communication, she is passionate about storytelling that highlights critical issues such as governance, youth development, environmental sustainability, and social accountability.
Through her work, she amplifies underrepresented voices and creates platforms that connect citizens, experts, and policymakers to foster informed dialogue and impactful decision-making.
She is committed to using journalism and strategic communication to advance climate action, strengthen public awareness, and contribute to sustainable development.
