Abstract: Persistent water wastage and non-payment of bills remain major challenges to the sustainability of Ghana’s urban water supply and the achievement of SDG 6 on water and sanitation. This study assesses the effectiveness of policy interventions to reduce arrears and promote water conservation among Ghana Water Limited (GWL) consumers. Using billing data from twelve districts (2018–2024) within an experimental framework, it evaluates how different advocacy strategies influence payment compliance and conservation behaviour. Results show that while standard awareness campaigns have modest effects, faith-based collaborations—especially those involving religious leaders—produce significantly greater reductions in arrears and stronger community engagement. These findings highlight the value of leveraging trusted social and faith networks to enhance utility management in religion-dominated contexts. Sustainable water service delivery, therefore, requires not only technical and financial reforms but also partnerships that build on existing social capital. The Ghanaian experience demonstrates that faith-led behavioural interventions can effectively complement conventional policies, offering a model for other regions facing similar challenges.
About the Speaker: Prof. Dr. Anthony Amoah is an applied economist with expertise in development economics, public policy, and sustainability studies. He is the Dean of the School of Sustainable Development at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Ghana, and currently serves as a member of the University’s Governing Council. Prof. Dr. Amoah obtained his PhD in Economics from the University of East Anglia, United Kingdom. His research focuses on fiscal policy, education, and environmental governance, with over seventy publications in reputable international journals. He is also a Co-Editor for the Journal of Sustainable Development and the Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Communications (Springer). Prof. Dr. Amoah is passionate about advancing sustainable development through evidence-based research, academic leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
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