By: Peter Agengre
Three communities in the Bawku West District have sounded the alarm over worsening water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions driven by climate change, during a stakeholder interface session held in Zebilla.
The forum, organized by Bawku East Women Development Association in partnership with WaterAid Ghana, brought together residents of Tilli, Komaka, and Agatuse alongside key district institutions to discuss urgent solutions under the theme “Evidence, Voice, and Partnership: Building Climate-Resilient WASH Together.”
Community scorecards revealed alarming conditions, with average ratings between 1.4 and 1.5 on a five-point scale, where 1 represents severe crisis. Water scarcity remains critical, as dams dry up as early as January, and many boreholes produce unsafe, muddy water. Women reportedly spend hours daily searching for water, reducing productivity.
Sanitation conditions were even worse, scoring as low as 1.0 in Agatuse. Collapsing latrines, widespread open defecation, and unmanaged plastic waste—locally nicknamed “guinea fowls”—paint a troubling picture. Menstrual hygiene challenges also persist, with schoolgirls missing up to 48 days annually due to lack of safe and private facilities.
Speaking at the event, District Chief Executive, James Ayamweogo, pledged stronger commitment to sanitation improvements under the district’s 2026–2029 development plan, urging collaboration and practical solutions.
The Executive Director for Belim Wusa Development Agency (BEWDA), Peter Asaal described the situation as a “human crisis,” linking deforestation, flooding, and soil degradation directly to failing WASH systems.
While community members demanded flood-resistant toilets, irrigation dams, and enforcement of sanitation laws, officials emphasized behavior change, maintenance culture, and prioritization of household facilities.
The dialogue exposed a clear gap between community needs and institutional response, reinforcing calls for urgent, climate-resilient investments in WASH infrastructure across the district.
