Evaluating geoscience campaigns in the conservation of water resources in the Western Region, Ghana

Abstract

The Western Region of Ghana faces persistent water resource issues due to pollution, illegal mining, unsustainable land use, and degrading ecological integrity, public health, and livelihoods. Though geoscience-based water conservation campaigns have been initiated to remedy these issues, limited empirical data exist on their effectiveness in encouraging the conservation of water. This study assessed the impacts of these geoscience-based water conservation campaigns on water resource conservation in the area by evaluating their approaches, stakeholder involvement, and conservation results. A mixed-methods (quantitative and qualitative) design was used. Quantitative data from 250 survey respondents representing local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and industry stakeholders were collected. The qualitative data were obtained through 17 semi-structured interviews conducted both in person and online. The qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis to discover major patterns and themes, whereas the quantitative data were analysed in SPSS version 27. Results demonstrated that geoscience-based water conservation campaigns led to significantly increased public awareness of water conservation, greater community engagement, and the shaping of policy dialogues. Nonetheless, they were limited in scope by poor finances, the enforcement of environmental codes and cooperation between sectors. The campaigns with local knowledge and community-based monitoring yielded more sustainable behavioural changes, which was more sustainable. The research recommends integrating geoscience-based water conservation campaigns into the regional water governance framework, reinforcing coordinated planning among stakeholders and supporting regular financing. The findings could bolster the conservation and protection of water resources in the area and further improved by implementing stronger enforcement measures, expanding community surveillance, and integrating them into the national water policy.