As the world commemorates World Water Day under the theme; “Water for Peace”, several young girls in the Fuo Electoral Area in the Sagnarigu Municipality of the Northern Region, have expressed grave concern over the acute water shortage in their community.
They highlight the severe health implications, particularly concerning menstrual hygiene. These girls lament the Ghana Water Company Limited’s failure to provide sufficient water supply, compounded by the complete drying up of local dams.
The Fuo electoral area and many others in the Tamale Metropolis and Sagnarigu Municipality have endured months of tap closures due to the GWCL’s inability to meet water demands.
Speaking with myrepubliconline, one of the affected girls Rafia Sulemana revealed that she often skipped school during menstruation due to the lack of water for proper hygiene maintenance.
The acute water shortage in the Fuo Electoral Area is impacting young girls’ ability to maintain proper menstrual hygiene.
This directly relates to Sustainable Development Goal Six (SDG Goal 6), which focuses on ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all. The lack of sufficient water supply, compounded by the drying up of local dams, reflects the setbacks in achieving this goal. Additionally, water scarcity leads to school absenteeism among girls during menstruation, emphasizing the broader implications for education and gender equality, which are also addressed within SDG Goal 6.
“Myself and many of my peers refrain from attending school when menstruating because there is insufficient water to ensure proper hygiene. The intense heat exacerbates the situation, making it uncomfortable to stay in class when experiencing menstrual odour” Rafia stated.
In a plea for assistance, these young girls call on government and non-governmental organizations to provide clean and safe drinking water that aligns with the objectives of SDG Goal 6 in promoting human health, well-being, and sustainable development.
Source: Simon Unyan, Northern Region
