Tamale Water Crisis: Ghanasco students forced to use contaminated water

Students at Ghana Senior High School (Ghanasco) in Tamale are facing a dire water crisis, forcing them to rely on a contaminated dam for survival.

A visit to the Ghanasco dam revealed that students fetch water from the same source used by animals, with fecal matter scattered around the area, raising serious health risks, including typhoid and diarrhea.

According to students, the dam water is their only option for drinking, bathing, and washing. They lament that the search for potable water before and after classes is affecting their academic performance.

The ongoing water crisis in Tamale has disrupted schools, businesses, and homes, with residents resorting to expensive tanker water. Frustrated by the worsening situation, residents have threatened to stage a demonstration against the Ghana Water Company Ltd (GWCL).

In response, Northern Regional Minister Adolf Ali John held an emergency meeting with GWCL officials, urging immediate action.

GWCL Regional Production Manager, Ing. Albert Nyeteng, attributed the crisis to production shortfalls, stating that Tamale’s water demand stands at 90,000m³, while supply remains between 35,000m³ and 38,000m³.

He pointed to the Yapei Water Project as a long-term solution, but immediate interventions are needed to prevent a public health crisis.

Ghana, a signatory to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, aims to ensure access to clean water and sanitation, but the situation at Ghanasco highlights the urgent need for government intervention.