On November 15, 2024, the community of Have Fiakpokorpe in the Akatsi South District of Ghana’s Volta Region celebrated the commissioning of a mechanized borehole, which culminated a decade-long struggle for access to clean water. This vital infrastructure project, funded and constructed by the Thx 22 Foundation, was initiated following a request from the local Assemblyman, Hon. Japheth Festus Gbede. Prior to this development, residents faced severe challenges, often walking up to two hours daily to collect unsafe drinking water—a situation that not only affected their health but also led to the prevalence of waterborne diseases such as cholera. The completion of the borehole is not only a significant milestone for the community but also a critical step towards improving public health and access to secure water sources.
During the commissioning ceremony, Mr. Dickson Assan, the Accountant and Compliance Manager of Bet 22, shared heartfelt remarks regarding the borehole’s impact. He described it as a “precious gift of clean water” that signifies hope for a brighter, healthier future, emphasizing the importance of clean water for health, education, and human dignity. Assan highlighted the borehole’s role in bolstering community efforts toward achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6, which advocates for universal access to clean water and sanitation. By addressing the dire need for safe drinking water, the Thx 22 Foundation is not only protecting health but also laying the foundation for fruitful community development.
The borehole stands to benefit hundreds of families in Have Fiakpokorpe who previously had to contend with the struggles of accessing potable water. Mr. Assan further communicated the broader implications of the project, suggesting that this access to clean water would translate into improved health outcomes and overall quality of life for residents. In addition to this initiative, the Thx 22 Foundation has demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility through various projects across Ghana, including a recent water supply initiative in Awutu Samsamsu II that benefited over 500 individuals and health screenings in communities affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage.
The genesis of the borehole project in Have Fiakpokorpe can be traced back to Assemblyman Japhet Festus Gbede’s outreach to the Thx 22 Foundation, prompted by the organization’s active presence on social media. His proactive engagement with the foundation, culminating in a response from its representative, Mr. August Dixie, exemplified the positive outcomes of community-supported initiatives. To ensure sustainability, Assemblyman Gbede announced the formation of a management committee dedicated to overseeing the borehole’s operations, security, and ongoing maintenance—an essential step towards preserving the project’s benefits long-term.
Elo Akabike, Country Manager for 22Bet Ghana, expressed optimism about the partnership with the community, indicating that the commissioning of the borehole represented merely the beginning of a fruitful relationship. Akabike affirmed the organization’s dedication to continuing its support, not only through further water-related projects but also through health initiatives that are vital to the well-being of the community. This forward-thinking commitment underscores the company’s philosophy of giving back to the communities that support its operations.
As the event concluded, the Chief of Have Fiakpokorpe, Torgbui Fiakpo II, alongside Assemblyman Gbede, extended profound gratitude to the Thx 22 Foundation for their significant contribution. Their sentiments echoed the community’s hopes for the borehole to act as a catalyst for broader progress and development initiatives. The commissioning event serves as a poignant reminder of the difference that dedicated partnerships and community engagement can make in addressing pressing social issues, marking a promising chapter in the ongoing story of Have Fiakpokorpe’s development and aspirational goals for a healthier and more sustainable future.
