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The Minister for European Affairs & International Cooperation of The Netherlands, Ben Knapen, has visited Ghana to discuss further investments in the water and sanitation sectors. The visit of the minister and his entourage formed part of the launch of the new Dutch development policy on water, which Ghana is expected to benefit immensely to increase the provision of water to become sustainable in the medium to long-term. The Netherlands, as part of the arrangement, will make available EUR 20 million per year for a period of five years in grant money to finance critical infrastructure and encourage private operators to invest in the water sector. The main beneficiary of the programme will be the Cape Coast, Elmina, Ga West and Ga South Municipalities. The Netherlands, in the past, has supported the construction of several drinking water infrastructure projects, including Barekese near Kumasi, Tamale in the North and the Accra-Tema conglomeration. During the visit, Mr. Knapen toured the Pambros Salt Mining site, Densu Delta Ramsar Site, Weija Water Drinking Plant, Oblogo Sanitation School and Landfill and later met with Vice-President John Dramani Mahama. Mr. Knapen also had a lengthy discussion with the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Nii Armah Asheitey on the management of the Pambros Salt site. He also met the chiefs and queen mothers of Weija and other stakeholders to discuss critical issues that could promote water and sanitation issues in the region. Mr. Knapen, during the interaction, indicated that water is one of the four priority programmes of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Development Assistance in the Netherlands. �In most parts of the world, drought, pollution and exhorting water stocks are the main obstacles for development. Therefore The Netherlands, with her history of water control and expertise, has made her knowledge and often resources available for developing countries.� The Netherlands has a long-standing experience in water infrastructure, urban planning and integrated water management both in public and private institutions. Through the Ghana-Netherlands WASH programme, The Netherlands will assist Ghana to develop and finance critical services that are sustainable in the long-term.