Sefwi Wenchi, a quaint community within the Bibiani Ahwiaso District, Ghana, has seen significant changes.
Nana William Boadu, the esteemed Sanaahene’ Traditional Chief’ of Sefwi Wenchi, reflects on the transformation of his hometown and the pivotal role of various interventions in improving the quality of life for its residents. Nana Boadu, now 65, recalls his childhood when the Chine stream served as the community’s primary drinking water source.
“Back then, the stream was a safe and hygienic water source for drinking and household chores. Sefwi Wenchi was sparsely populated, and the stream’s water sufficed for our needs. However, the stream’s overflowing banks often led to floods, causing danger and inconvenience for us, the locals,” he reminisces.
Over the years, Sefwi Wenchi’s population expanded, exacerbating the community’s water woes. The situation worsened with the onset of galamsey activities—illegal small-scale mining operations—that polluted the Chine stream, rendering it unsafe for consumption and household use. Despite numerous demonstrations since 1992 appealing to the District Assembly for the construction of a bridge and a solution to their water problems, the community’s pleas were largely ignored.
To address the dire water scarcity, a delegation approached the District Assembly again, which resulted in the construction of two boreholes in New Town, Sefwi Wenchi. However, these measures proved insufficient as the community continued to grow. Many residents had private wells, which needed to be improved for the increasing population.
In search of a sustainable solution, the community turned to Cargill, a cocoa-buying company that has been operating in Wenchi for over six years.
“Since we have been selling our cocoa to Cargill, we decided to let them know some of the challenges we were facing as a community, which was access to safe water,” Nana Boadu explains.
Through WSUP Ghana, Cargill responded generously, constructing two mechanized water systems and a standpipe for the Government school in Sefwi Wenchi, significantly easing the community’s water challenges. These new water systems have been a game-changer, especially for Old Town residents who no longer have to trek to New Town for water.
“The students will also get easy access to water for every chore at school and home. We are very grateful and excited about what Cargill and its partners have done for this community. This project has become a property for the community, and we pledge to protect it,” Nana Boadu notes with relief.
As a member of the Water Management Committee established by WSUP to oversee the operation and maintenance of the water systems, Nana Boadu emphasized the community’s commitment to sustaining the project. A written constitution has been created to ensure its longevity. Through the interventions of Cargill, Global Water Challenge, and WSUP, the people of Sefwi Wenchi now have a reliable source of clean water, significantly improving their quality of life and setting a foundation for future development.