Climate change effects and water scarcity in northern Ghana

There are numerous reservoirs in Northern Ghana which are used for storing water for domestic, irrigation and animal watering. However, these reservoirs are prone to drying up completely (particularly the small ones) during the long dry season from November to March/April, characteristic of the Northern Ghana climatic zone.  During the 7-month dry season the reservoirs which are used for irrigation agriculture have reduced water volume due to the combined effect of high evapo-transpiration rate and release of water for irrigation agriculture and for animal watering. This condition could be exacerbated by climate change and is attributable to the degraded catchment areas of the reservoirs due to anthropogenic activities such as bush burning, overgrazing, deforestation for fuel wood and construction purposes. How do we overcome this perennial phenomenon with the advent of climate change?

Fosu Lagoon, Cape Coast

The Fosu Lagoon in Cape Coast is invaded with aquatic weeds. The water is also polluted with rubbish, both liquid and solid wastes and effluents from the Cape Coast Metro Hospital and the Garages at the Adisadel Estates. The CCMA is worried about this development has therefore instituted measures to arrest this situation.

Water crisis in the north

Why do we always have water problems in the north of Ghana? The area experiences about seven months of dry weather with little or no rain and this puts severe strain on the water bodies. Rain harvesting, rehabilitating small dug outs and creating small dams could help alleviate the severity of water shortages and bring back hope to the people. Whose responsibility is it to implement the remedial measures? More anon.