The Tamale Metropolitan Assembly has sounded the alarm over a deepening water crisis, as outdated infrastructure continues to strain the city’s water supply. Some communities have reportedly gone without running water for up to six months due to severe rationing.
According to the Assembly, the root of the problem lies in Ghana Water Limited’s continued use of equipment that has been in operation for nearly 50 years—despite the city’s rapid population growth and increasing demand for water.
Speaking to journalists after a meeting with Parliament’s Local Government and Rural Development Committee on Thursday, October 9, Metropolitan Chief Executive Abubakari Adam Takoro described the situation as critical.
“The old machine is still supplying the people of Tamale. Because of that, Ghana Water Limited is forced to ration water,” Mr. Takoro said.
“If they supply one area today, they shut the taps and move to another. But the current rationing is so poor that some areas can go almost six months or more without water running through their taps. That’s the challenge we face now.”
However, Mr. Takoro also noted that steps are being taken to address the crisis.
He revealed that following assurances from President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister for Water Resources and Housing recently visited Tamale to announce a new intervention. According to him, the government—working in partnership with the European Union—has signed an agreement to rehabilitate the existing systems and install a new water treatment unit in Yapei.
“Once this new system is installed, we expect significant improvements in water delivery across the Tamale Metropolis,” he added.
The Assembly remains hopeful that these efforts will bring lasting relief to residents and end the prolonged water shortages affecting the region.
