By The severe water crisis in the Tamale Metropolitan Area has resulted in the majority of students being unable to attend classes.
Female students are particularly affected, as they are forced to roam in search of scarce water resources during school hours.
Additionally, some teachers have been affected by the situation, further hindering the teaching and learning process.
The severity of the water crisis has led to people resorting to using sachet water for cooking and bathing, exacerbating their financial difficulties.
Dams and boreholes, which are primary water sources for residents living on the outskirts of Tamale Township, are depleting rapidly.
The water shortage is impacting local businesses, including chop bar operators and porridge (Koko) sellers.
During the Holy month of Ramadan, Muslims require additional water for cooking, drinking, performing ablution, and other domestic activities.
During this sacred month, an adequate supply of water is vital for maintaining normal bodily functions.
However, amid the water crisis, reports suggest that the Ghana Water Company (GWCL) has been issuing bills for water not provided for several months. This has led to confusion between meter readers and some landlords in the Tamale Metropolis.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Ghana Water Company, Dr. Clifford Braimah, has mentioned plans to drill additional boreholes in the Tamale Metropolis as an interim solution.
Residents in affected communities, feeling aggrieved by the prolonged situation, have threatened to stage continuous demonstrations.
The Members of Parliament for Tamale South, Tamale Central, and Tamale North constituencies on February 13, 2024, bemoaned the Tamale water crisis and called for the government’s rapid action.
Haruna Iddrisu for Tamale South, Murtala Mohammed for Tamale Central, and Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini on the floor of Parliament raised the alarm and implored duty bearers to fix the recurrent problem.
