COVID-19 pandemic, welfare programs, and access to ‘free water’ in Ghana: how did the urban poor fare?

Frequent hand washing has been recommended by both public health officials as one of the key preventive measures to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Yet globally, 844 million people live without access to a safe drinking water source. This study explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated public health response measures and government social support on water access in informal settlements in Ghana using qualitative studies. Thirty (30) participants were interviewed in Accra and Tamale. Data were transcribed and inductively analyzed using NVivo. Overall, participants indicate that COVID-19 exacerbated their water insecurity issues in many ways including (1) limiting water source visits for fear of contracting the virus; (2) through public health restrictions that affected their ability to access water outside their households; and (3) increased cost of vended water. Most participants also highlighted that they did not benefit from the ‘6 months of free water initiative’ by the government of Ghana. As countries formulate plans to rebuild their economies, the inequalities underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic should offer renewed attention to the significance of safe water access for all, particularly concerning public and population health.