As the world observes World Water Day, spotlight is on the mounting strain on freshwater resources and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups, particularly women in urban settings. In Accra, Ghana, many women who operate small businesses rely heavily on a consistent water supply to sustain their livelihoods, but ongoing shortages in certain neighborhoods are disrupting operations and forcing costly workarounds.
Grace Obeng, who has managed her salon in Kwabenya, a suburb of Accra, for 15 years, described the severe effects of the unreliable supply. She stated that water has not flowed from taps in their area for several months, resulting in lost customers and reduced business.
In Accra, while nearly all residents have access to some form of drinking water, only about 35% of households depend on pipe-borne water as their primary source. Rapidly developing urban areas often lack adequate access to this essential resource. Experts highlight that addressing the issue requires not only prioritization but substantial investment. Historically, urban water supply improvements have been donor-driven, as securing loans, concessionary financing, or grants has been challenging for the government to fund independently.
When piped water fails, business owners and residents frequently turn to private water suppliers, who charge significantly higher prices. Officials at Ghana Water Company Limited attribute the difficulties to rapid urban population growth, aging infrastructure, and increasing demand in the capital city.
For women managing small enterprises such as salons, a dependable water supply is more than a convenience—it is vital for maintaining operations, serving clients, and ensuring stable income. Globally, over two billion people still lack safely managed drinking water services, with women and girls bearing a heavier burden. The shortages affect health, household income, child care responsibilities, and the ability to contribute economically to families.
As urban expansion continues across cities like Accra, experts are calling on authorities to prioritize investments in infrastructure to improve water accessibility. This would support not only residential needs but also the economic activities of women whose businesses depend on reliable water to thrive.
