Private sector driven supply chains in Ghana’s rural water sector

The rural water sector of Ghana has since 1993 implemented a policy of increased private sector partnerships in the sector. The policy has resulted in private sector driven supply chains in rural water supply. This paper takes a look at these private sector driven supply chains and perceptions of various stakeholders regarding their outputs. These perceptions were gathered through a survey carried out in two communities in Ghana. The paper concludes that though supply chains in the two communities are significantly private sector driven, demand for installation services are directly linked to the activities of implementing agencies (government, NGOs, international donor agencies) whiles that of repair services, maintenance and spare parts are directly linked to the installed equipment. The policy of increased private sector partnership must therefore look more closely at the role of implementing agencies to ensure maximum benefits are derived from its implementation.