Credit: Kekeli K. Blamey
Ghana’s water crisis is reaching catastrophic proportions, with millions of citizens struggling to access clean drinking water.
The situation is dire, with 80% of diseases in Ghana attributed to poor water quality and inadequate sanitation.
According to Frank Afriyie, Member of Parliament for Afadzato South Constituency, the country’s water situation is a ticking time bomb, waiting to unleash a health catastrophe on the nation.
“We need to act now to prevent a disaster,” Afriyie warned. “The lack of access to clean water is a fundamental human rights issue, and it’s our responsibility as leaders to ensure that our citizens have access to this basic necessity.”
The crisis is not limited to rural areas, with many urban communities also struggling to access clean water. The breakdown of water treatment plants, pollution from illegal mining, and inadequate investment in water infrastructure have all contributed to the crisis.
In some communities, citizens are forced to rely on contaminated water sources, putting their health at risk.
The situation is particularly dire for vulnerable communities, including children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
Mr Afriyie noted that diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and other waterborne illnesses are on the rise due to the lack of access to clean water.
“These diseases are preventable, but they are killing our people because we are not taking the necessary steps to provide them with clean water,” he said.
Afriyie is calling for urgent action to address the crisis, including repairing and upgrading water infrastructure, developing a sustainable water management strategy, and strengthening regulations against illegal mining.
“We need a comprehensive approach to address this crisis,” Afriyie said. “We cannot afford to wait any longer. The health and well-being of our citizens are at stake.”
