‘Game-Changing’ Water System Introduced in Northern Ghana

In the heart of the Bole District in Northern Ghana lies the serene and welcoming Mandari Community, a place that has seen significant transformation thanks to Global Communities and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

A solar-powered mechanized water system was introduced there as part of the USAID-funded WASH for Health program, making daily life better and more manageable for more than 4,780 people.

“We no longer trek for hours in search of water,” said Barikisu, a proud native of Mandari. “It’s right here, within our reach. This project is a blessing, a game-changer.”

Access to clean water was a longstanding issue in Mandari, and the burden often fell on the shoulders of women like Barikisu, who would spend the bulk of each day fetching water from distant sources. This meant less time for family, less time for personal growth and less time for community development.

Since the introduction of the mechanized water system, however, Barikisu’s routine has been able to shift focus.

“I can spend more time with my children, and they can attend school regularly,” she said. “I’ve even started a small farm, growing vegetables to support my family. This water project has opened doors of opportunity for us.”

With an impressive storage capacity of 100,000 liters, the mechanized water system operates under the stewardship of the community Water and Sanitation Management Team, ensuring reliability and sustainability as a primary water source for the entire community. The water is efficiently delivered through an extensive network of 8,450 meters of distribution lines, seamlessly connecting households, healthcare facilities and schools.

“We are healthier now. Waterborne diseases have significantly reduced, and our children are thriving,” said Barikisu, speaking to the impact the new system has had on the overall well-being of the community. “We no longer live in fear of sickness caused by contaminated water.”

Beyond Mandari, Global Communities has continued its WASH work by installing similar systems in the Gushegu and Nanton Kurugu communities in northern Ghana. These initiatives mark a significant expansion of access to clean water and sanitation facilities, furthering the organization’s commitment to improving the quality of life in underserved regions.

This success story is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of Global Communities and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.