Water is life, yet millions across Ghana, especially in the Northern Region, continue to face severe water shortages that threaten livelihoods, agriculture, and public health.As the world observes World Water Day 2025, a resounding call for urgent action has been made – not just to raise awareness but to push for bold policies, committed action, and the use of powerful visual storytelling to drive real change.
At the World Water Day Photography Exhibition, organised by Foto4Change, leading experts, policymakers, and visual storytellers convened to emphasise the critical need for water preservation and climate resilience.
Through striking photography and immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences, the exhibition highlighted the daily struggles of communities grappling with water scarcity and the pressing need for immediate intervention.
In his opening remarks, Geoffrey Buta, Team Lead at Foto4Change, underscored the power of visual storytelling in amplifying the voices of affected communities and ensuring their struggles are seen and heard.
“Tamale has been facing water crises for almost a decade. As a visual journalist, I see it as my duty to document these issues, bring them to light, and hold those in power accountable,” Mr Buta stated.
He further urged organisations and policymakers to collaborate in tackling water challenges, emphasizing that real-life stories have the potential to inspire both public and political action.
“At Foto4Change, we have documented the struggles of mothers walking miles for water, children missing school due to unsafe drinking water, and farmers losing their crops to droughts. These stories have directly contributed to policy shifts and increased funding for water projects,” he noted.
Mad. Fauzia Aliu, Advocacy Campaigns and Inclusion Manager at WaterAid Ghana, said access to clean water is not a privilege but a fundamental human right.
Despite this, millions of Ghanaians still lack this essential resource, highlighting the urgent need for action.
Mr Sammy Adjei, Senior Project Officer – WASH/ Agric at Catholic Relief Services (CRS), shared insights on community-led water governance, which has proven successful in many regions where CRS operates.
Mr Yakubu Alhassan Kassim, WASH Officer at UNICEF’s Tamale field office, described the exhibition as a powerful advocacy tool that highlights the urgent need for water preservation and sustainable water management.
