Residents of Chaaba, a community in Naaga in the Kassena Nankana Municipality of the Upper East Region have expressed excitement over the construction of a mechanized borehole by Ayeya Ghana.
According to the residents, who spoke to the media, their excitement follows an end to days of struggle to have access to clean water promptly.
Though there is a nearby borehole, the highly populated nature of the area led to delays and long queues that usually result in squabbles. The construction of the mechanized borehole is dedicated to the Sprouts Farmers Market.
Ayeya is a company engaged in basket exports and the processing of shea into soap, and butter and therefore, finds the construction of mechanized boreholes as an opportunity to ensure the women, who are engaged in Shea nut picking, have access to safe and clean water.
One of the residents Atiba Nancy explained that the constructed borehole has saved them from the usual long queues to access water.
“When we did not have this borehole, we had only one for the whole community and this caused delays because of overcrowding. So, we always have to get up early in the morning and if this one is crowded, we then move to the next community. But with this new borehole, we will no longer have long queues and now our children can go to school early.” She narrated.
Another resident, Amanzue Ernestina, while thanking Ayeya for the water project added that it is a huge relief to residents of the area.
“When the borehole was not here, we were compelled to go to the nearby community and that will prevent us from going to the farm early. So, I want to Thank Ayeya Ghana because we can easily get water and this will help us to go to the farm early.” She remarked.
Brenda Orelus, Director of Operations for Ayeya Ghana, noted that Ayeya Ghana, beyond ensuring fair prices for the women, wants to give back to the entire community, hence the construction of the borehole.
“This borehole is dedicated to our new partners, Sprouts. From the purchasing of shea nuts to the processing, we are making sure that we’re not only following our tradition but we also make sure that we empower the women. So, each community that we work in, we want to ensure that we improve access to clean water. We want them to take pride in this borehole.”
On his part, Jeremiah Koramoah an Ambassador of Ayeya Ghana said that the entity is looking forward to improving lives and giving back to the community.
Meanwhile, the paramount Chief of the Naaga Traditional Area, Naba Orlando Awuni, expressed gratitude to Ayeya Ghana for the project and equally commended them for the decision to add tree seedlings for planting.
