Living Water in Ghana

Since its inception, the Ghana Wells Mission Committee of Presbyterain Church ofthe Way (PCOTW) has constructed fourteen drinking wells in seven rural communities in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Testimonies recieved from an independant reviewer of the water project in Ghana, and from community leaders, indicate a reduction in bilharzias and various sicknesses in the communities as a result of the safe drinking water from these wells.

At the outset, we recognized the importance of sanitation involved more than just clean water wells, but required latrines as well. The basic form of public toilets in the Ghanian rural communities consists of pit latrines. The planks that are placed over the pits for supporting the users are in contact with the soil and are very susceptible to decay. There is no lid over the trench to stop flies from getting in and the smell getting out. When the pit fills up close to the top, domestic animals (poultry, goats, sheep, dogs, etc.) transfer feces and eventually contaminate food and water supply and then spread bacteria. Indeed, poor sanitation due to lack of protected latrines poses great health risks. Diarrhea, a sanitation-related disease kills more than 15,000 children five years and younger each year.

Upon completion of our 14th well, we set our sights on our next major project in the sanitation cycle. PCOTW has constructed a 10-seater water closet latrine. This was done in cooperation with our Sister Church - Dampong Presbyterain Church in Dampong, Ghana. This latrine offers: 1) Privacy and conveinience for the user, 2) Durability of the facility, 3) Elimination of the wave of bad smells and stops a flood of flies and domestic animals from accessing the feces, and 4) Eliminates diseases and sicknesses, and saves lives.

The Ghana Wells Committee goals for the coming years are to construct at least one latrine in each village where we have built a clean water well, maintain and keep in good repair all 14 wells that we have dug to date, and continue annual inspections and testing the water quality for compliance with World Health Organization's standards.

We are greatful for all who have previously supported this cause and would hope you would be able to help us continue to meet our goals by sending your tax deductible gift to Presbyterain Church of the Way at 3382 Lexington Avenue North, in Shoreview, Minnesota 55126, noting "Ghana Mission Project" on the memo line of your check. Your contribution is appreciated any time thoughout the year.

Ghana Mission Trip 2011

In August 2011, a group of 12, representing this church, traveled to the central part of Ghana to meet the covenant congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Dampong, to learn more about that church's ministries, and to visit some of the villages where PCOTW has enabled bore hole wells and a latrine to be successfully installed. This mission program continues, to help this church fulfill the scripture of I Thessalonians 5:11, which tells us, "Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing."