Residents of Somanya in the Eastern region are observing this year’s Easter under mounting hardship as a prolonged water shortage leaves many households without regular supply for more than a week.
The disruption, residents say, has affected several parts of the town, forcing families to depend on alternative sources that are either unsafe or costly.
Frustration is growing as residents complain of silence from the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), deepening uncertainty during a period traditionally marked by family gatherings and celebration.
Mr Mark Abaitey, a resident, said the lack of water had severely disrupted daily life activities, stressing that clean water was essential for cooking, bathing and washing.
“We are really suffering. For over a week now, no water has flowed through our taps, and nobody is telling us what is happening,” he said.
Another resident, Mr Sangmortey Samuel, also said the situation had become unbearable, particularly for women and children who often walk long distances to fetch water.
He said the crisis was undermining comfort and dignity during the Easter period.
Residents also fear the shortage could trigger sanitation and public health risks if left unresolved.
They warned that irregular access to clean water could lead to poor hygiene, especially in densely populated neighbourhoods where demand is high.
Ms Abigail Tetteh Awatey stated that many families were now buying water from private vendors at inflated prices, adding to the pressure on the cost of living.
She said the situation had moved beyond inconvenience to a serious threat to well-being.
“I am appealing to local authorities and opinion leaders to intervene and push for a lasting solution to the recurring water challenges in this town,” she said.
Residents are calling on GWCL to restore supply immediately and to clearly communicate the cause of the disruption and when services will resume.
However, a source at the GWCL office in Somanya told the Ghana News Agency on condition of anonymity that the company was facing technical challenges pumping water to its Mountain Yogaga reservoir.
The source said efforts were ongoing to resolve the problem, but could not provide a timeline.
As pressure mounts, residents say they want not only water restored, but also greater accountability, transparency and long‑term solutions to Somanya’s water supply challenges.
