Date of Award

7-2021

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Geography

First Advisor

Dr. Changsheng He

Second Advisor

Dr. Lisa DeChano-Cook

Third Advisor

Dr. Benjamin Ofori-Amoah

Keywords

Perception, groundwater, contamination, Kumasi, Ghana

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Campus Only

Restricted to Campus until

8-14-2026

Abstract

Inadequate supplies of pipe water in many peripheral-urban areas in Kumasi, Ghana has compelled inhabitants to drill boreholes and wells for their domestic needs (Boamah et. al, 2011). This has led to an increase in hand-dug wells and boreholes construction within the region (Ghana News Agency, 2016). Nonetheless, “there is no regulation of the use and management of groundwater. More so, there are inadequate data on aquifer geometry, and groundwater availability in terms of quality and quantity and renewability which have affected efforts directed at sustainable management of groundwater (Ghana News Agency, 2016). Consequently, a high quantity of pollutants have been discovered in hand-dug wells and boreholes (Boateng et. al.,2015). It has been reported that most Ghanaians do not treat their drinking water (Lardner et. al, 2014). The use of contaminated water for domestic purposes has resulted in diseases like typhoid, dysentery, diarrhea, and chronic skin diseases, which can lead to death (Bennett et. al. 2018; Boamah et. al. 2011; Lardner et. al., 2014). To ensure access to safe water, people’s perception regarding groundwater use and safety should be studied. This research employed mixed methods to assess people’s perception of water contamination in Kumasi Metropolis. The data was analyzed by using SPSS. The study contributes to the existing studies on perceptions about water pollution. It is useful for policymakers in Ghana for the effective management of water resources to promote good health among Ghanaian.

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