ghana: International movement takes on the water industry

In a new grassroots movement to combat the corporatization of water, organisers gathered here in mid-May for their first annual water forum. Titled "Securing the Right to Water in Africa," the event brought together various groups in Africa who oppose growing efforts by multinational corporations and lending institutions to privatize water. The World Bank has set its sights on Ghana as a poster child for water privatisation in Africa. Under Bank loan requirements, monthly water rates have skyrocketed for the average Ghanaian. Now, the Bank is demanding the country privatise its system. A coalition of non-profit groups and grassroots protesters have delayed the plan for two years.