ECOWAS, in collaboration with the Millennium Child Support Group (MCSG), Commissions and Hands Over a Water Borehole to Dakuma/Hiel Basic School in Sissala West District, Upper West Region, Ghana

On September 17, 2025, ECOWAS, supported by Spanish Cooperation’s technical and financial assistance, officially commissioned and handed over a new water borehole to Dakuma/Hiel Basic School in the Sissala West District, Upper West Region, Ghana. This initiative is part of the Spanish Cooperation-funded regional project dedicated to enhancing academic success through improved school feeding programs.

Significance of the Borehole

This water facility symbolizes hope, dignity, and shared prosperity, aiming to:

• Strengthen education by reducing water-related absenteeism among students
• Enhance sanitation and hygiene for schoolchildren
• Alleviate the daily burden of water collection, particularly for girls

A similar facility was also commissioned last July at Kanee/Basic School in Jirepa Municipality, Upper West Region, Ghana.

Implementation and Broader Objectives

Managed by MCSG, the project titled “Promoting Academic Success among Underprivileged Schoolchildren in Rural Ghana through School Feeding” emphasizes:

• Improving water resource availability and management
• Introducing agricultural hydraulics to supply drinking water
• Developing agro-ecological vegetable gardens and livestock to enrich school canteens with protein sources

This borehole complements other activities, such as:

• Promoting good nutritional practices
• Distributing hygiene kits
• Organizing local canteen supply chains
• Strengthening community governance and management committees

Recognizing Community and Leadership Efforts

Mr. Francis DABIRE, representing ECOWAS and on behalf of the Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (RAAF) Executive Director, Mr. Mohamed Zongo, expressed appreciation for strong local collaboration and inclusive participation. He highlighted how MCSG’s community-centered approach exemplifies development rooted in local realities and aspirations.

Leadership Perspectives

Dr. Godfrey Ato Parker, CEO of MCSG and Project Coordinator, emphasized the project’s alignment with ending classroom hunger and saving the future of children. He called for greater collaboration and partnerships to expand support to more vulnerable schools and pupils.

Community Commitment and Future Outlook

District officials, traditional chiefs, elders, teachers, parents, pupils, and community members demonstrated strong interest and commitment to maintaining the borehole and ensuring the sustainability of the initiative beyond the project’s duration.

The District Chief Executive, Mr. Fuseini Gbene, expressed Ghana’s gratitude to ECOWAS for its support, acknowledging that it aligns with the national school feeding policies. He also highlighted the need for continued support to address ongoing sector challenges and the importance of multi-stakeholder involvement.

Broader Impact of ECOWAS Initiatives

Through its regional school feeding program, ECOWAS is:

• Investing in human capital development
• Promoting business opportunities for local agricultural producers

This initiative covers all ECOWAS member states, including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, emphasizing the regional commitment to fostering sustainable development and improved educational outcomes.

In summary, this project exemplifies ECOWAS’s dedication to improving educational environments through accessible water, community engagement, and sustainable development initiatives—paving the way for healthier, more resilient communities.