Omanghana
Five districts in Ghana’s Upper East Region are incorporating climate-resilient water, sanitation and hygiene priorities into their medium-term development plans as recurring floods and droughts continue to threaten communities.
The targeted districts are Kassena Nankana West, Kassena Nankana Municipal, Bongo, Bawku West and Nabdam. The initiative forms part of efforts under the Securing Water Access Project being supported by WaterAid Ghana and its partners.
The Upper East Region lies within Ghana’s vulnerable northern ecological zone, where most rural households depend heavily on rain-fed subsistence farming. Changes in rainfall patterns and increasingly extreme weather conditions have therefore had serious consequences for agriculture, public health and local economic activity.
Communities across the region experience prolonged periods of dry weather followed by intense rainfall and flooding. These unpredictable conditions make it increasingly difficult for farmers to determine the appropriate periods for planting, harvesting and managing livestock.
During prolonged droughts, rivers, streams, reservoirs and other water sources may shrink or dry up. This reduces the amount of water available for households, livestock, farming and small businesses.
When heavy rains arrive, floods can destroy crops, wash away fertile soil and kill livestock. Roads and other public infrastructure may also become damaged, limiting residents’ access to markets, schools and healthcare facilities.
Water, sanitation and hygiene systems are particularly vulnerable to these repeated climate shocks. Floodwater can damage boreholes, toilets and drainage infrastructure while contaminating drinking-water sources.
The disruption increases the risk of waterborne diseases, especially in communities where residents already have limited access to safely managed water and sanitation services.
The destruction of farms and livestock also weakens household incomes and food security. Families that depend almost entirely on agriculture can lose both their immediate food supply and their main source of revenue during a single extreme weather event.
The cumulative impact of annual flooding and drought means communities often have little time to recover before the next emergency occurs.
Through the Securing Water Access Project, the five districts are moving toward a more localized approach to climate adaptation. Rather than depending exclusively on national policies, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies are being supported to identify risks and develop responses suited to their communities.
Climate-resilient water, sanitation and hygiene priorities are being formally incorporated into the districts’ 2026–2029 Medium-Term Development Plans.
The process is expected to guide decisions about budgeting, infrastructure construction, water-resource management and emergency preparedness over the four-year planning period.
It could also encourage districts to construct water and sanitation facilities capable of withstanding floods, protect water sources from contamination and improve access to safe water during extended dry periods.
Embedding the measures in official development plans is intended to ensure that climate adaptation becomes part of routine local governance and resource allocation rather than being treated only as an emergency response.
The approach also gives district assemblies a framework for coordinating with traditional authorities, community organizations, development partners and government agencies.
For the five districts, successful implementation will depend on adequate funding, strong technical support and regular monitoring. Community participation will also be essential to ensure that projects reflect local needs and remain functional after construction.
By integrating climate-resilient WASH measures into their development plans, Kassena Nankana West, Kassena Nankana Municipal, Bongo, Bawku West and Nabdam are developing local strategies to protect essential services, livelihoods and public health from recurring climate shocks.
Source: Omanghana
