The residents of Cape Coast and its surrounding communities are grappling with a severe water shortage following a 50% reduction in supply by the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL). This cut, reducing daily supply from 18,000 to 9,000 cubic meters, has left over 300,000 people struggling to access clean water.
The crisis, exacerbated by climate change, deforestation, and farming along riverbanks, has forced many residents to travel long distances in search of water, often relying on unhygienic sources. Others are resorting to purchasing water from private vendors at exorbitant rates.
Sabina Amoah, a resident of Cape Coast, shared her ordeal: “I now spend GHC80 every five days on just eight gallons of water. It’s draining my limited income and affecting my family’s health.”
The GWCL has attributed the crisis to low water intake caused by the dry season and increased demand, denying rumors of equipment failure. Nana Yaw Barima Barnie, the Public Relations Officer for GWCL in the Central and Western Regions, explained, “Our machines are functioning, but water intake is critically low. Climate change and human activities, such as deforestation, have worsened the situation.”
Mr. Barnie also highlighted the financial strain caused by widespread customer indebtedness, with over 50% of customers failing to pay their water bills. “This hampers our ability to sustain operations. We urge customers to use the e-billing system to settle their bills regularly,” he said, adding that legal action against defaulters might be necessary.
GWCL has called for an end to destructive activities along water sources, emphasizing that environmental degradation is a major factor in the recurring shortages.
Meanwhile, the company is optimistic that water supply will stabilize with the arrival of the rainy season. However, residents like Madam Amoah remain skeptical, as the financial and health impacts of the ongoing crisis take their toll.
The water crisis underscores the urgent need for sustainable water management and environmental protection to ensure access to this vital resource in the face of growing challenges.