76% of Ghanaian Homes Exposed to Contaminated Water – Prof. Adu-Manu

Professor Kofi Sarpong Adu-Manu, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Computer Science, University of Ghana, has revealed that 76% of Ghanaian households are at risk of consuming water contaminated with faecal matter.

He noted that Ghana and Africa face severe challenges in water and flood management due to rapid urbanization and climate change. Currently, over 411 million people across Africa lack access to safe water, a situation worsened by population growth and inadequate infrastructure.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the Applied Research Conference organized by Accra Technical University (ATU), Prof. Adu-Manu stressed that flood risks have risen sharply in recent decades, affecting an average of one million people annually, with about 45,000 Ghanaians impacted each year. His presentation, titled “From Sensors to Decision: Energy to IoT for Water Quality and Flood Early Warning in Ghana,” highlighted the urgent need for technological innovation.

“These disasters are compounded by unplanned urbanization, clogged storm drains, floodplain construction, and inadequate warning systems,” he said, warning that climate change continues to intensify rainfall and rising sea levels, threatening both coastal and inland communities.

Prof. Adu-Manu called for energy-efficient IoT systems as game-changers in addressing these threats. By deploying interconnected sensors in rivers, reservoirs, and treatment plants, he explained, authorities could receive real-time data for proactive decision-making in the event of contamination or flooding.

“Using sensors, wireless networks, and AI, government and water sector stakeholders can tackle water quality and flooding challenges to protect communities and build a sustainable model,” he added.

For his part, ATU’s Ag. Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Amevi Acakpovi, emphasized the role of applied research in addressing climate change and urbanization within Ghana’s development agenda.

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Similarly, Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof. Felix Y.H. Kutsanedzie noted that the conference provides a vital platform for academia, industry, and policymakers to collaborate in tackling climate change, waste management, and resource depletion.

The 3-day international conference, held under the theme “Advancing Technology and Innovation for a Sustainable Future,” brought together researchers, innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders to deliberate on pressing issues in engineering, sustainable business, and applied arts.

Report by Ben LARYEA