Cholera threat looms over Cape Coast amid water crisis

The Central Regional Health Directorate has issued an urgent warning about a potential cholera outbreak in the Cape Coast Municipality due to an ongoing water crisis affecting several communities.

Health officials caution that if immediate action is not taken, hundreds of residents could be at risk of infection.

Residents in areas such as Amomoma, Bonkus, Apewosika, Ola, and Nkanfoa have expressed growing frustration over the prolonged water shortage, with many forced to buy water from tanker services at high prices.

“We haven’t had water in over three months,” lamented a resident of Nkanfoa. “We are forced to buy water from tanker services, and it’s really expensive. Not everyone can afford it.”

In student-dominated areas like Amomoma, Bonkus, and Apewosika, the crisis is taking a toll on academic life.

“We sometimes have to walk long distances just to fetch water, and it’s affecting our studies,” said Doris Dorgu, a university student living in Bonkus.

“There are days we miss lectures because we have to prioritize getting water.”

Dr Joojo Cobinah, Deputy Health Director of Public Health for the Central Region, warned that the water shortage could create conditions ripe for a cholera outbreak if not urgently addressed.

“If immediate interventions are not made to resolve this water shortage, more people will fall victim to the disease,” he cautioned.

“We urge residents to observe strict hygiene practices, including drinking clean water and proper handwashing. We are also calling on duty bearers to provide alternative water supplies to avert any possible surge.”

As of January 26, 2025, 20 out of the 22 districts in the Central Region had recorded cholera cases, with a total of 14 deaths. Out of 1,929 suspected cases, 180 have been confirmed.

Dr Cobinah urged all stakeholders to remain vigilant and collaborate to contain the outbreak.

Surveillance and monitoring efforts have been heightened as part of an emergency response.

He revealed that most of the deaths were preventable, as many patients arrived at health facilities in critical condition, while some were already deceased upon arrival.

The worsening situation has intensified calls for preventive measures to curb further transmission, with public health officials emphasising the importance of maintaining hygienic practices similar to those adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Cobinah also stressed the need for residents to seek prompt medical attention at healthcare facilities when experiencing symptoms like acute diarrhoea and dehydration to prevent severe illness or fatalities from cholera.