By Frank Kwame Abbor
Saviefe Agorkpo (V/R), Oct. 10, GNA-Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, has joined chiefs and peoples, and representatives of the Spanish Embassy, to commission a new water system within the Saviefe communities in the Ho West District, under the Ghana – Spain Debt Swap for Development Programme (DSDP).
The initiative, launched at Saviefe Agorkpo, marks a major milestone in expanding access to clean and safe drinking water in rural communities in the Volta Region.
Speaking at the commissioning, Mr Gunu said the project goes beyond providing a basic amenity — it restores dignity and strengthens the fabric of community life.
“Access to clean and safe water is not just about health. It is about dignity, culture, and community life,” he said.
He explained that in Ghanaian tradition, water is deeply symbolic, saying, “In our customs, before a visitor is greeted, water is offered. In our faiths, water represents cleansing, renewal, and blessing. That is why today’s commissioning brings not only water to our people but restores an essential part of who we are.”
The Regional Minister reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that all government projects in the region were completed and sustained and that no project was left abandoned.
He announced that beginning November this year, the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC), in partnership with the Regional House of Chiefs and key stakeholders, would embark on a comprehensive monitoring exercise to track the progress of ongoing projects.
“Sustainability must become a community culture and a shared responsibility to maintain and protect what we have been blessed with,” he added.
Mr Gunu expressed deep appreciation to the Government and people of Spain for their continuous support, describing the collaboration as a true reflection of international friendship and mutual progress.
He also commended the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA), the Ho West District Assembly, local authorities, and contractors for their dedication and teamwork, which contributed to the successful completion of the project.
The newly commissioned system, implemented under the DSDP framework, are designed to improve access to potable water, reduce waterborne diseases, and enhance the quality of life for residents in beneficiary communities.
During a brief interaction with Ángel Lossada Torres-Quevedo, the Spanish Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Gunu outlined potential collaborations between the Volta region and the Spanish Embassy to further expand potable water access across the region.
The Spanish Embassy has already completed two additional water projects in the region.
Mr Gunu emphasized the region’s readiness to partner with organizations and institutions that share a vision of inclusive and sustainable development saying, “We are committed to ensuring that more of our towns and villages benefit from projects like these.”
He made passionate call to action for NGOs, corporate institutions, and development partners to join hands with the Regional Coordinating Council in expanding access to clean water.
“Together, we will continue to build a Volta region where every community has access to clean water and where development is sustained by the people, for the people,” the Minister said.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah