WRI has a mandate to conduct research into water and related resources. In pursuance of this mandate, WRI generates and provides scientific information, strategies and services towards the rational development, utilisation and management of the water resources of Ghana in support of the socio–economic advancement of the country, especially in the agriculture,     health, industry, energy, transportation, education and tourism sectors.

Staff expertise includes Engineers (Civil, Soil & Water, Irrigation & Drainage, Geological, Water & Waste Water, Agricultural, and Chemical), Hydrologists, Chemists, Environmental and Aquatic Scientists (Limnochemistry, Hydrobiology, Entomology, Parasitology and Fisheries).