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Photo exhibition to mark World Water Day
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.
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
