A worsening water crisis in parts of the Central Region is forcing some school children to abandon the classroom, as illegal mining continues to choke communities of their basic right to clean water.

Eight districts — Awutu, Senya West, Gomoa East, Gomoa West, Awutu Senya East, Agona East, Gomoa Central, Agona West, and parts of Efutu — have been plunged into distress following the heavy pollution of the River Ayensu, their main water source.

At Agona Asafo and surrounding communities, parents told JoyNews that their children are unable to attend school because fetching water has become a full-time struggle.

With the Ghana Water Company cutting supply due to contamination, residents say sachet water has become their only option — not just for drinking, but also for cooking and bathing.

“Before, when the pipes were closed, we could fetch water from the Ayensu River for free. But now, with the state of the river, it is useless,” one parent lamented.

“Children can no longer go to school because of the water situation. Sachet water is the only source we can rely on. The pipes have been closed for the past two weeks.”

Some residents explained that the lack of clean water has made it impossible for children to bathe and prepare for school.

While community members acknowledged efforts by their Member of Parliament, Queenstar Maame Pokua Sawyerr, they stressed that the situation demands immediate intervention from the government, including emergency water supply and long-term infrastructure such as boreholes.

“You can see the state of the water and the devastating impact it is having on us. Children cannot even go to school. We plead with the government to come to our aid. Even providing us with boreholes will go a long way to help,” another frustrated parent added.