Evaluation of sustainable management practices of water resources in Ghana: Perspectives from the Fosu and Essei Lagoons

Abstract

Globally, nations have made decisions regarding sustainable management of water resources that have not always inured to the benefit of the populace. Some of these decisions have led to water bodies drying up, overdrawn groundwater aquifers, pollution, and in some cases, degradation in ecosystem services. This paper sought to evaluate and propose an efficient and sustainable management plan for coastal lagoon management to ensure a more desirable future. Data were derived through the purposive sampling technique and snowball methods from all the key stakeholders considered having in-depth knowledge of Fosu and Essei Lagoons. The study showed overlaps in the management of the lagoons, which are perceived to be a missing link or overlap in the management and ownership. It has been identified that the interface/relationship between the ownership and management of the Fosu and the Essei Lagoons has been problematic. Ineffective decision-making mechanisms aimed at linking the expectations, skills, and experiences of all constituents (from civil society, the individuals and state organizations, as well as resident communities) have been developed. As a result, a bottom-up approach to coastal lagoon management in Ghana was proposed. Traditional authorities have been given the power to regulate or manage water resources in collaboration with other stakeholders such as the Environmental Protection Agency and Non-Governmental Organisations. In this case, scientific knowledge and traditional knowledge should be applied simultaneously or synergically to ensure the lagoons' sustainable use and management.