In the heart of Ghana’s Kwahu East Plateau, a pressing water crisis is unfolding, one that demands urgent attention and innovative solutions. A recent study, published in the journal *Water Harvesting Research* (translated as *Rainwater Collection Research*), has shed light on the stark realities faced by households in the region, offering valuable insights that could reshape water management strategies and have significant implications for the energy sector.
The research, led by Enock Aninakwah from the Department of Geography and Resource Development at the University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, paints a vivid picture of the seasonal water scarcity that plagues the area. During the dry season, a staggering 85% of households find themselves without adequate water supplies. The situation is so dire that 70% of households lack piped water, forcing residents to walk an average of 3.5 kilometers daily, spending a grueling 4.8 hours each day collecting water. In contrast, the wet season brings some relief, with water scarcity dropping to a minimum of 25%, travel distances reducing to 1.2 kilometers, and collection times averaging 2.5 hours.
The financial burden of this water scarcity is also substantial. Over 55% of households spend more than 5 Ghana cedis per day on water, a significant expense that underscores the economic impact of the crisis. Additionally, 60% of households frequently experience breakdowns in boreholes or standpipes, further exacerbating the problem.
Aninakwah’s study employs a unique combination of household survey information, Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), and Land Use Land Cover (LULC) analysis within the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework. This approach allows for a comprehensive assessment of the interaction between seasonal climatic conditions, human adaptation, and plateau hydrology. The findings reveal that during the wet season, 70% of water is collected from rainwater, while in the dry season, 70% comes from boreholes, with household storage systems playing a crucial role (60%).
The remote-sensing analysis indicates that the mean value of the NDWI during the wet season (-0.582) is larger than the mean value during the dry season (-0.461). Furthermore, the LULC analysis from 2000 to 2025 demonstrates a halving of vegetation cover and growth, with built-up areas expanding, highlighting the increased anthropogenic pressure on water resources.
The implications of this research for the energy sector are profound. Water scarcity and unreliable water supplies can significantly impact energy production, particularly in regions where water is used for cooling in thermal power plants or for hydroelectric power generation. The study’s data-driven, practical recommendations for developing climate-resilient community-based water systems could not only alleviate the water crisis but also ensure a more stable water supply for energy production.
As Aninakwah notes, “The results provide a robust foundation for developing climate-resilient community-based water systems in Ghana’s highlands. By integrating household survey information with remote-sensing data, we can better understand the complex interplay between seasonality, human adaptation, and hydrology.”
This research is a call to action, urging stakeholders in the water and energy sectors to collaborate and implement sustainable solutions. The findings could shape future developments in water management, ensuring water security and supporting the energy sector’s needs in the face of climate variability and change.
In the words of Aninakwah, “This study is not just about understanding the current crisis; it’s about paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable future.”