Looking Back: The African Well Fund in Ghana - Phase 2

Following the completion of our first project in Ghana in 2008, African Well Fund was lucky enough to continue work in the same region in 2009. This continuing work aimed at offering assistance to communities not targeted by the first phase of the Water for Cocoa Farmers initiative. These farmers expressed many of the same needs as those addressed by the original project. 

Agave's previous source of water.

Like other Ghanaian farmers, community members had to contend with unreliable water sources, leading to disease and additional economic hardship, with women and children having to spend hours every day looking for water, rather than engaging in other activities such as school or farming.

In addition, the lack of sanitation options available in the Wassa Amenfi West District, particularly in schools was a serious area of concern. Throughout the District, only three out of over 300 schools have toilet facilities on campus. The facilities which are available are unsuitable for children. Many consist of only a hand-dug pit covered by planks, into which children often fall. Lack of privacy caused still more problems, discouraging girls in particular from continuing with their studies.

The end result is a high rate of water-borne disease, as well as decreased economic productivity among farmers.

The pit which community members in Sabena used before the new KVIP latrine was built. Before construction, a young boy fell in.

In partnership with Africare and Mars, Incorporated, the 'Water for Cocoa Farmers Phase II' initiative brought potable water, toilets, and water and sanitation management training to eight communities in the Wassa Amenfi West District. Wells were constructed in Bokakore, Serwayo, Agave, and Ayitey Doriyem. Latrines were constructed at Nkwantanum, at a health clinic which worked for four other communities, and at a school in Sabena. Overall, over 5,000 community members were served through the project.