By Peter Agengre
In the Datoko Zongo community in Ghana’s Upper East Region, the search for clean drinking water begins before sunrise. For many women and girls, each day starts with a long, exhausting journey of nearly two kilometers—only to return with water collected from a dam that is often unsafe for consumption.
“We use the same water with animals. Sometimes the water is very dirty, but we have no choice.” Sando Vivian laments.
The community, located in the Talensi District, faces a severe water crisis. Its only borehole is situated miles away and serves a growing population. As a result, women and girls must endure long queues, sometimes leading to disputes over who gets access first. Even after hours of waiting, many return home with little or no water.
“You’ve to make sure that you come to this borehole as early as 3:00am before you can get water. We are really suffering here.” Yinpok Nagbil narrates.
This daily struggle is taking a significant toll on livelihoods. Women say the time and energy spent searching for water limit their ability to engage in economic activities that support their families. Farming, trading, and other income-generating opportunities are often sacrificed in the process.
“By the time we return from fetching water, we are too tired to do any meaningful work. We are unable to go to the farm or market early because we spend so much time looking for water.” Bugremah said.
For young girls like Olivia Sonfaat, the impact goes beyond physical exhaustion. The lack of reliable access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities affects her school attendance and self-confidence. Many girls are forced to miss classes or drop out entirely, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.
“When I am menstruating, it is hard because there is no water to clean myself. Sometimes I stay home.”
As the world marks World Water Day, the women and girls of Datoko Zongo are calling for urgent action. For them, access to clean water is not just a basic need—it is a pathway to better health, education, and economic empowerment. Their hope is that this year’s observance will inspire more than awareness, but real and meaningful change.
