Clean Water Brings New Hope to Yindeng, Manyan, and Nancham: RACED Ghana Commissions Borehole Project
The longstanding challenge of accessing clean, safe drinking water in the East Mamprusi Municipality has seen a significant breakthrough, as RACED Ghana successfully completed and commissioned a community-led borehole drilling project in three rural communities—Yindeng, Manyan, and Nancham. With support from the Nenyui Project, this initiative is expected to enhance public health, improve school attendance, and promote community resilience.
For many households in these communities, access to potable water has always been a daunting task. Residents, particularly women and children, have had to rely on contaminated sources often shared with livestock, leading to the spread of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid. The consequences have been far-reaching, not only endangering health but also disrupting education, especially for girls who typically bear the burden of fetching water over long distances.
Recognizing these challenges, RACED Ghana designed and implemented a comprehensive intervention aimed at addressing water scarcity through a participatory and sustainable approach. The project sought not only to drill boreholes but also to build local capacity, improve sanitation practices, and encourage inclusive community ownership of water resources.
The implementation process began with community engagement sessions in all three communities. Traditional leaders, elders, women, youth, and persons with disabilities were actively involved in these discussions, which introduced the project’s objectives and outlined timelines. These engagements laid the foundation for community buy-in and fostered a sense of ownership from the outset. Participants expressed their support for the initiative, acknowledging the direct benefits it would bring to their daily lives.
A critical aspect of the intervention was the promotion of the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach. Through dedicated sessions, community members were sensitized on the need to construct household latrines and end open defecation. Facilitators emphasized the link between sanitation and health, particularly how unhygienic practices around water collection points and within homes can contribute to water contamination. These conversations helped shift attitudes and encouraged behavior change, laying the groundwork for long-term improvements in public health.
To ensure sustainability and effective management of the water facilities, RACED Ghana facilitated the formation of nine-member Water and Sanitation Management Committees in each of the three communities. These teams were gender-balanced and given an introductory training on their roles and responsibilities, including borehole maintenance and hygiene promotion. This local governance structure aims to promote accountability and ensure the continuous functioning of the facilities.
In addition to addressing water access and sanitation, the project integrated advocacy on other cross-cutting development issues. During the community engagements, RACED Ghana highlighted the importance of girls’ education, peaceful coexistence, environmental protection, and climate-smart agriculture. Topics such as the dangers of early marriage, the need for inclusive dialogue, and eco-friendly farming techniques were incorporated into the broader project message, contributing to holistic community development.
Technical components of the project were handled with equal care. To determine appropriate drilling locations, professional geologists conducted geological assessments in collaboration with RACED Ghana staff and local community representatives. This participatory approach not only ensured technical accuracy but also minimized the risk of future land disputes. The selected sites met required standards, and boreholes were drilled in Yindeng, Manyan, and Nancham.
Each borehole was constructed in accordance with recommended specifications to ensure durability and the safety of the water. The facilities were formally commissioned and handed over to the communities in a joint ceremony attended by RACED Ghana, traditional leaders, and other local stakeholders. During the ceremony, leaders reiterated their commitment to safeguarding and maintaining the boreholes for the benefit of all.
The project adopted a community-led and inclusive strategy throughout its implementation. Local facilitators fluent in the various community dialects were engaged to support communication. Gender inclusivity was prioritized in all structures and activities, and CLTS principles were consistently reinforced. This approach not only empowered the communities but also increased the likelihood of long-term success.
Key outcomes of the project include high levels of community participation, improved knowledge of sanitation and hygiene, and enhanced community ownership. Traditional and local leaders pledged their commitment to protecting the facilities, and management committees are now actively overseeing their maintenance and operation. Overall, the initiative has fostered a sense of pride and responsibility among community members.
Tangible outputs from the project include the successful establishment of three operational boreholes, the formation and training of three water and sanitation management committees, and comprehensive community sensitization on hygiene and sanitation.
Despite the overall success, the project faced a few challenges. Operational delays arose due to logistical issues and inconsistencies from the drilling company. Additionally, poor road infrastructure in the area made it difficult to access the remote project sites. The onset of the farming season also affected participation during some of the engagement sessions, as many community members were busy with agricultural activities.
In light of these challenges, the project team recommends continued efforts to improve communication and planning around seasonal activities, as well as advocating for better road infrastructure to facilitate future development efforts. Developing contingency plans to accommodate seasonal disruptions is also advised for similar interventions in the future.
Moving forward, RACED Ghana will work closely with the Water and Sanitation Management Teams to ensure regular monitoring of the boreholes. The organization also plans to continue capacity-building efforts in sanitation and maintenance practices to ensure long-term sustainability.
The successful implementation of the borehole drilling project represents a significant step forward in the journey toward water security and community well-being in Yindeng, Manyan, and Nancham. By placing community leadership at the heart of the process and integrating critical issues like sanitation, education, and environmental protection, RACED Ghana and the Nenyui Project have demonstrated how development initiatives can deliver both immediate and lasting impact.
RACED Ghana remains committed to deepening its work in vulnerable communities across Ghana, and to building partnerships that advance sustainable, inclusive development. The organization looks forward to expanding on this success and continuing its mission to ensure that every individual can thrive in a resilient and equitable society.
