The Black Volta, considered one of the most important rivers in the country, has now turned into a dumping site and defecating point for some residents of Buipe in the Savanna region of Ghana. With rapid population growth, more houses are also being built close to the river.

The practice poses a threat not only to the people whose livelihoods depend on the river, but also aquatic life. Dumping of plastic waste into the river, and defecating along the banks of the water body, have become rampant due to the lack of proper dumping sites and toilet facilities.

The heap of refuse scattered around is an eyesore. Yet there is a disquiet among residents. For most of them, ridding their homes of liquid and solid waste remains the most important preoccupation.