College of Natural Resources and Environmental Governance (NReg)

Water, Sanitation and Housing

Water, Sanitation and Housing

Access to safe water, improved sanitation, and environmentally sustainable housing is fundamental to healthy communities and resilient ecosystems. At the College of Natural Resources and Environmental Governance (NReg), our commitment to Water, Sanitation and Housing (WaSH) supports Ghana’s national development priorities while empowering communities to adopt sustainable solutions that protect both people and the environment.

Addressing Critical Environmental Health Challenges

Ghana faces increasing pressures on water resources due to rapid urbanization, pollution, climate change, and land degradation. In cities like Kumasi—one of the fastest-growing urban centers in West Africa—expanding settlements, waste management challenges, and inadequate sanitation affect public health and environmental quality. NReg responds to these challenges through education, research, and community engagement that promote safe water, improved sanitation, and sustainable housing systems.

Our Focus Areas

1. Water Resource Management

  • Assessing water quality in rivers, streams, and groundwater sources serving Kumasi and surrounding districts.

  • Supporting community-based watershed protection efforts, especially in areas linked to the Owabi and Barekese reservoirs.

  • Promoting sustainable water management practices such as rainwater harvesting, pollution control, and integrated water resources management.

  • Conducting field studies on the impacts of mining, agriculture, and urbanization on water bodies.

2. Sanitation and Public Health

  • Promoting improved sanitation technologies and practices, including eco-san toilets, waste segregation, and safe waste disposal.

  • Working with communities and schools to increase awareness of hygiene, sanitation behavior change, and disease prevention.

  • Supporting research and innovations in waste treatment, recycling, and circular economy solutions.

  • Partnering with municipal assemblies to enhance sanitation services in rapidly growing communities in Kumasi.

3. Environmentally Sustainable Housing

  • Exploring the link between housing, land use, and environmental sustainability in peri-urban and rural communities.

  • Promoting green building principles such as natural ventilation, energy efficiency, local construction materials, and sustainable design.

  • Supporting research on housing affordability, planning, and environmental impact assessments in Ghana’s urban centers.

  • Educating students on the intersection of housing policy, environmental governance, and community well-being.

Community Engagement and Local Partnerships

NReg collaborates closely with:

  • Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA)

  • District assemblies in the Ashanti Region

  • Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL)

  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ghana

  • Community water committees, NGOs, and neighborhood associations

    Through these partnerships, we implement practical WaSH interventions, support community training, and promote policy advocacy for improved service delivery.

Community Engagement and Local Partnerships

NReg collaborates closely with:

  • Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA)

  • District assemblies in the Ashanti Region

  • Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL)

  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ghana

  • Community water committees, NGOs, and neighborhood associations

Why Water, Sanitation and Housing Matter

Sustainable WaSH systems directly influence:

  • Public health and disease prevention

  • Environmental protection and ecosystem stability

  • Livelihoods, well-being, and social equity

  • Climate resilience and sustainable urban development

At NReg, we equip students and communities with the skills and knowledge to tackle these interconnected challenges using holistic, science-based, and culturally grounded approaches.

Opportunities and Programs at NReg

Students and practitioners benefit from:

  • Field courses in water management, sanitation systems, and environmental health

  • Hands-on community outreach and WaSH improvement projects

  • Internships with water and sanitation agencies, NGOs, and housing authorities

  • Research opportunities on water governance, urban planning, and eco-housing solutions

  • Workshops on environmental health, climate adaptation, and sustainable development strategies

Through these programs, NReg helps build the next generation of leaders capable of shaping sustainable water, sanitation, and housing systems across Ghana and beyond.