Kumasi's Water Woes: Scientists Launch 5-Year Study

Kumasi Water Crisis: A Five-Year Study Launched Amidst Climate Change Concerns Kumasi, Ghana – Scientists have begun a five-year study to address the growing water crisis in Kumasi, particularly affecting low-income communities. The study, conducted by the Center for African Studies at the University of Copenhagen in collaboration with KNUST, will examine the challenges and opportunities for improving water accessibility in the city. Residents in areas like Asuase have long relied on the Pelele stream for water, but pollution and unpredictable rainfall have rendered it unsafe. "In the past, the stream was clean," says Nana Kwabla Pong, a resident of Asuase for nearly five decades. "Now, it's milky sludge." He adds, "We are trying our best to find solutions." Haruna Abdul Rashid, an assembly member, explains the difficulties faced by his constituents: "Getting water to people is sometimes difficult. Due to construction, we go days without water." Professor Karen Lauterbach, the principal investigator, highlights that rainfall patterns are changing, impacting water sources. Some areas experience less rainfall while others face flooding, which contaminates water bodies. The study aims to understand the social and cultural context of water access in Kumasi. The study's findings will inform policy planning, offering crucial insights into addressing water scarcity in urban Ghana.