Ayeya, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), has constructed a mechanized borehole for residents of Naaga-Chaaba community in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality in the Upper East Region.
Ayeya that is known for processing shea-nuts into butter, natural skin products and the production of soap from indigenous materials, undertook the gesture as part of its corporate social responsibility to the community for the shea-nuts it bought from the community women for production.
Prior to the construction of the borehole, valued about GH¢119, 200.00, the residents, who are predominantly farmers, depended on a single borehole in the community for potable water for both domestic and non-domestic purposes.
The situation according to some community members, compelled them to trek to neighboring communities on daily basis for water so as to ease pressure on the single community borehole.
Apart from the mechanized system, with a water tank connected to three dispensing taps for easy access by three people at a time, the NGO led community members to plant tree seedlings around the facility and presented some seedlings to pupils to plant in their schools.
At a ceremony to hand over the facility to the Chief and people of the area, Madam Brenda Orelus, the Director of Operations for Ayeya, said the gesture was part of the NGO’s water project intended to provide potable water to deprived communities.
She noted that the project aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) six, which emphasizes the need for clean water and sanitation for all, and the promotion of good health and quality education outcomes.
“To support women and children, we must make sure that they have access to clean water. So, with each community that we impact we always want to ensure that we create a clean water borehole,” Madam Orelus said.
Mr Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, an American football linebacker for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League, who graced the occasion, commended the NGO for the initiative, saying “Ayeya has come to help different communities”.
Naba Olando Ayamga Awuni III, the Paramount Chief of the Naaga Traditional Area, expressed gratitude to Ayeya for the gesture, and gave the assurance that the community would maintain the facility to last long and serve its intended purpose.
Madam Nancy Atiba, the Secretary of the Chaaba Women’s Cooperative Group, who supply the NGO with the shea-nuts, said the gesture would strengthen the existing partnership between them and Ayeya.
She acknowledged that the NGO offered good prices for their shea-nuts as compared to the open market price, and thanked leadership of the organization for the support over the years.
GNA
