Registration of Boreholes – WRC

WHO HAS OWNERSHIP OF WATER RESOURCES OF GHANA?
Section 12 of Act 522 stipulates that “the property in and control of all water resources are vested in the President for and on behalf of, and in trust for the people of Ghana”.
• There is therefore no private ownership of water in Ghana. However, the President, or
anyone so authorized, may grant rights for water use.

WATER RESOURCES COMMISSION

REGISTRATION OF BOREHOLES (RESIDENTIAL AND DOMESTIC USE)

The Water Resources Commission wishes to bring to the notice of the general public, the obligations under Regulations 10 and 11 of the Water Use Regulations, (2001) L.I. 1692 and Regulations 23 (1) and (3) of the Drilling Licence and Groundwater Development Regulations, (2006) L.I.1827. By these regulations, individuals and companies who have drilled or intend to drill (and use) boreholes on their premises are required to register their boreholes with the Water Resources Commission. Furthermore, for those who intend to drill boreholes only licenced drillers from the Commission should be engaged.

The law requires householders and property owners to have their boreholes registered to enable the Commission effectively manage and regulate groundwater resources in Ghana. Non-compliance with these regulations is an offence subject to prosecution under the said sections of the law. Some businesses and individuals have fallen victim to illegal borehole drillers who drill water wells indiscriminately and unprofessionally occasioning huge cost and ill health to their clients. The general public is therefore advised to contact the Commission to have their boreholes registered and certified to put them in compliance with the law and protected from illegal and unskilled water well drillers. The Commission may be contacted through any of its offices at the following locations;