Hon. Ibrahim Isaak Ayaba Nelson Cuts Sod for 10 Water Supply Projects to Boost Access to Clean Drinking Water in Ahafo Ano South East

Hon. Ibrahim Isaak Ayaba Nelson, District Chief Executive (DCE) for the Ahafo Ano South East District, has cut sod for the construction of ten critical water supply projects aimed at expanding access to clean and safe drinking water for rural and peri-urban communities across the district.

The projects, made up of five Small Town Water Supply Systems and five standpipe water supply projects, form part of the government’s broader vision to ensure equitable access to potable water nationwide, with particular focus on underserved and rapidly growing communities.

The sod-cutting ceremonies were held in four beneficiary communities, including Adugyame Zongo, Biemso Number Two and Asempanaye, as well as seven other selected communities within the district. The events attracted the Member of Parliament for the constituency, traditional authorities, assembly members, opinion leaders and residents, all of whom expressed optimism about the transformative impact of the initiative on their daily lives.

Addressing the gatherings, Hon. Ibrahim Isaak Ayaba Nelson explained that the Small Town Water Supply Projects are designed to significantly expand water supply capacity, improve the flexibility and reliability of water delivery systems, and provide sustainable access to clean drinking water to communities that have for many years struggled with inadequate and unreliable water sources.

According to the DCE, the projects will involve the construction of new water supply systems capable of serving multiple communities, reducing reliance on unsafe water sources and improving public health outcomes. He described the intervention as one of the most ambitious and far-reaching water infrastructure projects ever undertaken in the Ahafo Ano South East District.

“This will, by far, be the biggest water project in the history of Ahafo Ano South East,” Hon. Ibrahim Isaak Ayaba Nelson stated, stressing that access to clean drinking water is a fundamental human right and a key driver of socio-economic development.

Explaining the rationale behind the intervention, the DCE noted that Adugyame and many other parts of the district have experienced rapid population growth in recent years. This growth, he said, has placed enormous pressure on existing social infrastructure, particularly water supply systems, leading to a situation where demand continues to far outstrip supply.

He observed that the water challenges have not only affected household consumption but have also had serious implications for sanitation, healthcare delivery and overall living conditions, making a comprehensive and sustainable solution long overdue.

Hon. Ibrahim Isaak Ayaba Nelson used the occasion to commend the government for prioritising water infrastructure development in rural districts. He noted that since President John Dramani Mahama assumed office, Ahafo Ano South East has witnessed visible improvements in key sectors such as town roads, access to quality drinking water and other essential social amenities.

“Since President John Dramani Mahama came into office, the district has seen significant development in areas such as roads, potable water and other critical infrastructure. These projects are clear evidence of the government’s commitment to improving the living standards of our people,” he said.

He therefore called on residents to continue to have confidence in the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, assuring them that additional development projects are in the pipeline to address the pressing needs of communities throughout the district.

The DCE further urged beneficiary communities to take collective ownership of the projects, protect the facilities upon completion and use the water responsibly to ensure sustainability for future generations.

Speaking on behalf of traditional authorities, Nana Osei Kwame, Chief of Nimfourkrom in the Ahafo Ano South East District, expressed profound gratitude to the government for responding to the water needs of the communities. He called on residents to continually pray for President John Dramani Mahama, the Member of Parliament for the constituency and the District Chief Executive to enable them to deliver effectively on their development agenda.

Nana Osei Kwame also urged community members to fully support the contractors executing the projects to ensure smooth work and timely completion for the benefit of the people.

In his remarks, the Member of Parliament for the Ahafo Ano South East Constituency, Hon. Yakubu Mohammed, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fulfilling promises made to the electorate. He recalled that during the campaign period, the party promised improved educational infrastructure, including classroom blocks, and assured residents that those promises had already been honoured.

He emphasized that the water projects further demonstrate the government’s determination to translate campaign commitments into tangible development outcomes that directly improve the welfare of the people.

Community members present at the ceremonies welcomed the initiative with excitement and appreciation, describing the projects as a major relief that will significantly enhance health standards, sanitation, productivity and the overall quality of life in the Ahafo Ano South East District.