Cholera Threatens Cape Coast Amid Water Crisis, Health Officials Warn

The Central Regional Health Directorate has raised an urgent alarm about the risk of a cholera outbreak in the Cape Coast Municipality due to a worsening water crisis affecting several communities.

Health officials have warned that, without immediate intervention, hundreds of residents could be at risk of infection.

Communities such as Amomoma, Bonkus, Apewosika, Ola, and Nkanfoa are grappling with severe water shortages, with many residents now relying on costly tanker services to meet their basic water needs.

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

The situation is taking a toll in student-heavy areas like Amomoma, Bonkus, and Apewosika, where academic life is being disrupted by the crisis.

“We sometimes have to walk long distances just to fetch water, and it’s affecting our studies,” said Doris Dorgu, a university student from Bonkus. “There are days we miss lectures because we have to prioritize getting water.”

Dr. Joojo Cobinah, Deputy Health Director for Public Health in the Central Region, warned that the water shortage is creating conditions that could lead to a cholera outbreak if not addressed immediately.

“If swift action is not taken to resolve this water shortage, we will see more people affected by cholera,” he said. “We urge residents to practice strict hygiene, including drinking clean water and regularly washing their hands. We also call on local authorities to provide alternative water sources to prevent an outbreak.”

As of January 26, 2025, 20 of the region’s 22 districts had reported cholera cases, resulting in 14 deaths. Out of 1,929 suspected cases, 180 have been confirmed. Dr. Cobinah stressed the importance of ongoing vigilance and collaboration to contain the spread of the disease.

Emergency response efforts have been ramped up, including intensified surveillance and monitoring. Dr. Cobinah noted that many of the fatalities were preventable, as patients often arrived at health facilities in critical condition, with some having already passed away.

The worsening situation has prompted urgent calls for preventive measures to curb further transmission. Public health officials are urging residents to follow the same hygienic practices adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Cobinah also emphasized the need for individuals to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as acute diarrhoea and dehydration, as early treatment is key to preventing severe illness or death from cholera.