The drying up of a once-thriving community dam in Bilpela, within the Tamale Metropolis, is taking a heavy toll on livelihoods—particularly among women—prompting renewed appeals for urgent intervention.
Residents say the 10-hectare dam, which previously supported dry season farming and domestic water needs, has deteriorated significantly, leaving families struggling to access reliable water sources.
Madam Abdulai Fati, a local resident, recalled how the dam once provided a lifeline for women, enabling them to grow vegetables and support their households. She lamented that its current state has forced many to search for alternative means of survival.
The issue came to the fore during a World Water Day event organised by Foto4Change in collaboration with ActionAid Ghana, where community members and stakeholders highlighted the growing impact of water scarcity and climate change.
Through photo exhibitions and drama performances, the event illustrated how the loss of the dam has disrupted farming activities, reduced incomes, and increased hardship for vulnerable groups.
Traditional leader Mr. Alhassan Nyorilana recounted the dam’s historical importance, noting that it once attracted farmers from neighbouring communities and served as a hub for agricultural production. Today, however, it has become a grazing ground for animals, with children using the dry basin as a playground.
Participants, including representatives from the Water Research Institute and the University for Development Studies, called for coordinated efforts to rehabilitate the dam and restore its economic value.
Madam Beatrice Yanman Biije of ActionAid Ghana stressed that access to water is a matter of dignity and equality, urging government and development partners to prioritise sustainable water solutions for communities like Bilpela.
Residents say restoring the dam would not only revive dry season farming but also help reduce poverty and improve living conditions across the area.
