Story by George Yawson Vineh
Every year on March 22, the global community observes World Water Day, a day set aside by the United Nations to highlight the importance of freshwater and advocate for the sustainable management of water resources. The day serves as a reminder that water is not just a basic necessity, but a fundamental human right that millions around the world still struggle to access.
Water is essential for life. It supports health, agriculture, industry, and ecosystems. From the food we eat to the energy we consume, water plays a central role. Yet, despite its importance, billions of people globally lack access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
This challenge is particularly evident in developing regions, where access to clean water remains inconsistent.
Notwithstanding challenges, Residents of Kpone in the Tema enclave are facing a worsening water crisis as irregular supply continues to disrupt daily life across the community.
For several years, taps in many households have run dry, forcing residents to depend on water tankers, sachet water, and distant boreholes to meet basic needs such as cooking, bathing, and cleaning.
The shortage has significantly altered routines, with many residents waking up at dawn or staying up late into the night in anticipation of water flow. Others spend hours searching for vendors, often at high cost.
“We hardly get water these days. When it flows, it’s for a very short time and sometimes at odd hours,” a resident complained.
“Now we buy water almost every day, and it’s draining our income,” another added.
The reliance on private water suppliers has led to a sharp increase in the cost of water in Kpone. A commodity that is expected to be affordable has now become a financial burden for many households.
Public health concerns are also emerging, as some residents resort to unsafe water sources due to affordability challenges. Experts warn that this could expose the community to waterborne diseases if the situation persists.
The Ghana Water Limited has linked the situation to a combination of factors, including:
Pipeline maintenance and repair works
Low water pressure in parts of the distribution network
Increased demand in rapidly growing communities
On this world water day occasion, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the KPONE Municipal Assembly (KKMA), Mr. Samuel Tetteh Kwashie Morton, is urging Ghana Water Limited (GWL) to publish a clear water service delivery timetable to help alleviate the severe, years-long water crisis affecting millions of his people of the municipality.
The MCE noted that due to acute water shortages, residents in several localities within the municipality have been forced to rely on expensive water vendors and unsafe water sources, including dams shared with cattle.
Mr. Morton is therefore demanding greater accountability from the utility provider, urging GWCL to prioritise infrastructure development, including the laying of dedicated pipelines, to address the persistent shortage.
However, residents argue that the problem has become too frequent and are calling for lasting solutions rather than temporary fixes.
World Water Day is more than just a commemoration—it is a call to action. As the world grapples with increasing water stress, the need to protect and preserve this vital resource has never been more urgent. Ensuring access to clean and safe water is not only a development goal but a moral obligation that demands immediate and sustained attention from all.
Every drop counts, and together, we can make water accessible for all.