The privatization of vital services such as water supply in developing countries, often as conditions imposed by international donor agencies and western countries in return for loans, grants and aid, has been the subject of much debate in recent decades. This paper reviews the recent decision on private sector participation in Ghana's water supply. This decision, and the way it was made, has brought to the fore many issues in policy-making. A central question is whether it is justifiable to treat as a commodity a resource which is a basic human right, essential for life. The experience of Ghana has shown the important role civil society can play in shaping public policy on such issues.