African leaders, environmental experts and peace advocates have issued a strong warning that access to clean water could become a major crisis across Africa within the next few decades if governments fail to take urgent action against the destruction of water bodies.
The caution was raised during the 2026 African Day Celebration and Leadership Summit held at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre at Teshie in Accra.
The summit, organised by the Pan Africa Union Agenda 2063 Diplomatic Mission in partnership with the International Association of World Peace Advocates, focused on the theme: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve Agenda 2063.”
Speakers at the event blamed the worsening destruction of rivers, streams and aquatic ecosystems on illegal mining, environmental pollution and weak enforcement of environmental protection laws across many African countries.
According to participants, while climate change continues to increase pressure on water resources, illegal human activities remain one of the biggest threats to Africa’s future water security.
Several speakers warned that if current trends continue, African countries could eventually be forced to spend substantial portions of their national budgets importing clean drinking water for domestic and industrial use.
Among the key speakers were Samuel Ben Owusu, Professor Laud Mensah of the Ministry of Local Government, Professor Wazi Apoh and Ambassador Victor Anang.
The speakers stressed that access to potable water should never become a privilege reserved for a few people but must remain a fundamental human right essential for health, economic growth and peaceful development.
They also called on African governments to demonstrate stronger political commitment in tackling illegal mining activities, particularly by prosecuting financiers and powerful individuals believed to be behind the destruction of rivers and forest reserves.
Participants at the summit further advocated stronger environmental governance systems and increased investment in sustainable water management infrastructure to safeguard future generations.
Youth participation in environmental protection efforts also featured prominently during discussions, with speakers encouraging governments and institutions to create more opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to conservation campaigns and climate action initiatives.
A representative of the Office of the National Chief Imam joined calls for collective action to preserve water bodies, urging Africans to protect the environment for future generations.
This year’s African Day celebration comes at a time when millions of people across Africa continue to face challenges in accessing safe drinking water and proper sanitation facilities.
The summit concluded with renewed appeals for Ghana and other African countries to intensify the fight against illegal mining and environmental degradation in order to protect water resources and secure a healthier future for the continent.