The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Nkwanta South, Joseph Antwi, has given strong assurance to residents of Ofosu that their long years of neglect and struggle for clean drinking water are now receiving the urgent attention they deserve.
Speaking at the commissioning of a 10,000-litre mechanized borehole constructed for the community by Agro Crown West Africa Company Limited, Mr. Antwi acknowledged the painful reality the people have faced — relying on a dirty stream they share with animals.
“Water, they say, is life. And when I hear that human beings here drink with cattle, I know this is more than a development issue — it’s a crisis of dignity,” the MCE stated.
“This borehole is the beginning, not the end. We are taking steps to ensure communities like Ofosu are not left behind.”
Mr. Antwi, who has been in office for just over a month, said the Assembly has already begun putting together proposals to the central government to lobby for more boreholes and other essential infrastructure in deprived communities such as Ofosu.
“We are actively working to access portions of the District Assembly Common Fund earmarked for water and sanitation. Once we receive it, we’ll channel the resources into projects that will bring real relief — and Ofosu is high on our list,” he assured.
A Community Grateful, Yet Hopeful
Residents of Ofosu have suffered from extreme water deprivation for decades. With no potable water source, they have depended on a nearby stream polluted by human activity and livestock. This has led to frequent outbreaks of waterborne diseases, especially among children.
The commissioning of the borehole — the first of its kind in the community — was greeted with gratitude and emotional testimonies. But even as they celebrated, community leaders appealed for more attention from both the government and other humanitarian organizations.
“We thank Agro Crown for this borehole, but we need more,” said one resident. “We still lack good roads, schools, and health facilities. We’ve been forgotten for too long.”
The MCE acknowledged these additional challenges, promising a coordinated approach to tackle them incrementally.
“Development cannot happen in a day, but what we are doing now is ensuring that Ofosu is on the radar. We are identifying the most pressing needs and matching them with the appropriate funds and support,” he emphasized.
Mr. Antwi also urged the community to adopt a strong maintenance culture to ensure the borehole remains functional and sustainable.
“This is your asset. When there’s a leak, fix it. When the pump breaks down, work together to repair it. That’s how we keep development alive.”
The people of Ofosu may have taken their first step out of decades of water crisis, but the road ahead still calls for stronger partnerships between government and the private sector — and leadership that listens and acts.
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