Portable Water Sources in Rural Communities the Experience of Togmaa Community in the Wa West District

Abstract

Surface waters are the main drinking water source for many rural communities in Ghana including Wa West District and Togmaa in particular. The water crisis in Togmaa is a threat to quality sanitation and health in the community. This necessitated the study. A case study approach enabled the researchers to delve much into the phenomenon under study. The methodology included the use of a mixed-method approach (qualitative and quantitative). The sampling technique used was simple random and purposive sampling. A semi-structured interview guide was used to gather data from 39 households as sampled for the study. Key informant interviews were also used to gather data from chiefs, assemblymen, Magazia (women leader) and the Wa West District Assembly. The study also used observation to observe the water sources in the community. Data gathered from Semi-structured interviews were coded and entered into the SPSS to generate results and presented in Microsoft word using pie charts, bar charts and tables. With the qualitative data using Key Informant Interviews were transcribed and classified under themes with quotes from respondents. The results and conclusions from the study revealed that Togmaa community lack a portable water source compelling resident to drink from polluted pounds; it was also found that community members’ enthusiasm to contribute to a borehole facility is thwarted by the poor household income status. Other findings revealed that the people of Togmaa believe the Government of Ghana has the main responsibility to provide them with a water facility, even though they are also willing to contribute their human resource and meagre incomes towards getting a befitting water facility.