CREATING AWARENESS AND ADVOCACY FOR SUSTAINABLE WATER USE

Story by: Benedicta Adjoa Korang Despite having relatively abundant water resources, Ghana suffers from uneven distribution, seasonal variability, and the effects of climate change. This article explores the specific causes, effects, and approaches to addressing Ghana's water scarcity and security challenges. Ghana is a West African country. Causes of Water Scarcity in Ghana Ghana has distinct wet and dry seasons and significant seasonal rainfall variations. Water scarcity occurs during extended dry seasons and unpredictable rainfall patterns, which are made worse by climate change. The need for water is growing due to the rapid population expansion, particularly in urban areas. The current water infrastructure is under pressure from urbanization and is frequently unable to keep up with the demands of expanding cities. In Ghana, agriculture uses a lot of water. Water scarcity is exacerbated by the use of conventional irrigation techniques and the production of water-intensive crops...

Story by: Kafui Heletsi Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting, filtering, and storing rainwater for later use, rather than allowing it to run off or evaporate. The main purpose of rainwater harvesting is to provide an independent, sustainable water supply to meet domestic, agricultural, or other water needs. By capturing rainwater on-site, individuals and communities can reduce their reliance on municipal water supplies or groundwater, which are often limited and under increasing pressure. One of the primary advantages of rainwater harvesting is that it provides a reliable, independent water source during periods of drought or water restrictions. It also has a positive impact on water conservation by reducing demand on municipal water supplies and groundwater, helping to conserve these precious resources for the future. Rainwater is generally cleaner and softer than groundwater or municipal supplies, making it ideal for applications such as landscape irrigation, laundry...

Story by: Boadu Gyarteng Emmanuel Water is an essential and natural resource necessary for all living organisms to sustain their lives. Water is important for human health and plays a crucial role in bodily functions. In our households we use water for different purposes such as cooking, bathing cleaning and dish washing. According to the Ghana Statistical service(GSS), there are three main sources of drinking water for households in Ghana are sachet water (37.4%), pipe-borne water (31.7%) and borehole/tube well (17.7%). In urban areas the two main sources are sachet water (51.5%) and pipe-borne water (33.6%) while in rural areas they are borehole/tube well (33.6%) and pipe-borne water (28.8%). SOURCE: GSS Ghana Statistical service says that, at least 90 percent of households in nine regions have access to improved sources of drinking water, of which Greater Accra (98.3%), Bono (97.5%) and Upper West (97.3%) have the highest, and Oti (77.1%), North East (74.8%) and Savannah (70.5%)regi...

Story by: Benedicta Adjoa Korang Advocating for sustainable water use and raising awareness of it requires a multidimensional strategy that includes a range of stakeholders, makes use of different communication channels, and uses a variety of tactics to inform, inspire, and engage communities and individuals. Here's a well-organized strategy to reach these objectives. Although water is a basic resource that is necessary for life, pollution, overuse, and climate change are posing growing threats to its availability. The increasing global population and growing industrial needs necessitate the use of water sustainably in order to guarantee future generations' access to this essential resource. Raising public awareness and advocating for sustainable water use entails influencing legislation, educating the public, and encouraging water-saving and water-quality-preserving behavior. The Importance of Sustainable Water Use Rivers, lakes, and wetlands are examples of ecosystems that be...

Story by: Boadu Gyarteng Emmanuel Rainwater harvesting is a method for accumulating and storing water for various purposes, including agricultural irrigation, household chores, and drinking. This natural resource has been used by civilizations for centuries and has been purified for drinking purposes. Rainwater harvesting, an ancient practice, provides drinking water, crop irrigation, and mitigates urban stormwater overflow. It involves collecting and storing rainwater using man-made systems, helping combat water shortages in regions with minimal rainfall. Rooftop collection systems in Ghana are prevalent, using galvanized sheet metal or polyvinyl chloride components to collect rainwater. The quality and quantity of collected water are influenced by roof location and material. Ghana primarily uses subterranean water storage, with careful planning to ensure adequate capacity. Tanks can also be used for storing collected water. Rainwater harvested through conveyance systems is directed t...

  Story by: Kafui Heletsi Boreholes are narrow shafts drilled into the ground to access underground water, essential for water supply systems in scarce or unreliable areas. They extract water for drinking, irrigation, industrial use, geotechnical investigations, and environmental monitoring. Types of Boreholes Boreholes are used for various purposes, including water extraction, geotechnical investigations, environmental monitoring, and oil and gas extraction. Water boreholes are used for drinking, irrigation, and industrial use, while geotechnical boreholes assess soil stability for construction projects. Environmental boreholes monitor groundwater levels and quality, while oil and gas boreholes extract valuable resources from underground reservoirs. Advantages of Boreholes Boreholes are a reliable and sustainable water supply method, providing a consistent, long-term solution for areas with limited access to clean drinking water. They are designed to withstand soil and rock pressu...