Prepared by: Sananu Zakaria, Freelance Broadcast Journalist and Social Advocate Chereponi Lens 360
Problem Statement
The Katapila dam in Chereponi, North East Region of Ghana, is built to ease household water burdens. Today, it symbolize neglect and contamination. Women and children walk long distances for muddy water, livestock share the same sources and poor sanitation worsens health risks.
Key Evidence
Water Access: Only 54.8% of households in North East Region have access to improved drinking water; average walking time is 32 minutes.
Sanitation: Open defecation rates reach 58%, contaminating streams and dams.
Health: WHO reports show 70% of rural hospital cases in Ghana are linked to unsafe water and poor sanitation. Local nurses confirm rising diarrhea, typhoid and skin infections among children.
Infrastructure: Boreholes are broken, hand pumps neglected and dam walls cracked, leaking reserves.
Extractive Impact: Sand winning near streams accelerates depletion and contamination.
Voices from Women
“We wake up at dawn to fetch water from the dam. By the time there are no animal the water is clean and not muddy for our children can drink.” – Fati, mother of three.
“Even if the water is dirty, it is all we have.” – Amina, resident.
Community Response
NGOs and faith based groups donated water storage tanks.
Youth groups organized clean up campaigns.
Women’s associations advocate for borehole rehabilitation and sanitation facilities.
Policy Gaps
Weak enforcement of environmental safeguards in extractive activities.
Limited investment in rural water infrastructure.
Women’s voices often excluded from decision making.
Recommendations
Borehole Rehabilitation: Mechanized and solar powered systems to reduce reliance on unsafe dams.
Regulation of Sand Winning: Enforce EPA and Minerals Commission guidelines.
Sanitation Infrastructure: Build toilets and improve waste management.
Amplify Women’s Voices: Integrate testimonies into district water policy.
Community Monitoring: Empower local groups to oversee dam maintenance.
Expected Outcomes
Improved access to clean water for households.
Reduced waterborne diseases among children.
Stronger regulation of extractive activities.
Greater inclusion of women in water governance.
Conclusion
The Katapila dam is a lifelines for Chereponi, yet they now represent neglect. Women’s voices remind us that access to clean water is not just a development goal. it is a matter of dignity, health and survival. Urgent action is needed to rehabilitate infrastructure, regulate extractive activities and empower communities.
