Enkawana No.2 (E/R) – By Eugene Nyarko Jnr.
A story of faith, hope and transformation unfolded at Enkawana No.2 near Nkawkaw in the Eastern Region as residents celebrated the commissioning of a modern water purification project spearheaded by Father Edmund, founder of the Father Edmund Charity Foundation.
The project, powered by advanced reverse osmosis technology, marks the first reliable source of treated drinking water for the rural community, which for years depended on unsafe water sources. The initiative is the fulfilment of a solemn vow Father Edmund made in December 2023 while battling prostate cancer and abnormal PSA readings.
Facing a life-threatening condition, he prayed for healing and pledged to commit his life to providing clean water to underserved communities if given another chance. His recovery, which he describes as a miracle, became the turning point for what is now the Father Edmund Charity Water (FECW) NGO.
At the launch ceremony, Father Edmund highlighted the severity of Ghana’s water-related health challenges, noting that “93% of households in rural communities do not treat drinking water at all,” adding that unsafe water contributes to about 80% of diseases in Ghana and other developing countries.
“Every day, dirty and contaminated water claims the lives of about 4,000 children, and according to the WHO, 3.4 million people die annually from water-related diseases,” he stressed.
He explained that the facility uses multiple filtration systems, including activated charcoal and fine-pore filters, to eliminate contaminants and produce hygienic drinking water suitable for rural communities.
Beyond providing water, FECW has put in place trained staff, oversight committees, and a 50-year sustainability plan to ensure the long-term efficiency of the system.
Dr. Ben Ocra, President of the Ghana Philanthropy Forum, commended the project, emphasising the role of civil society in national development. “Government cannot do it all. We are here to fill development gaps and encourage Ghanaians with resources to help their fellow citizens,” he said.
The project has been warmly welcomed in Enkawana No.2, where residents previously walked long distances to fetch water from unsafe sources. The Odikro, Nana Afua Dedaa, expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the community.
“We are truly grateful for this wonderful gift. Access to clean water is a basic human right, and Father Edmund and his team have made it possible for us to have safe drinking water,” she said, promising that the community would ensure proper maintenance of the facility.
Community elders also praised the project, noting its expected impact on women and children who bore the burden of searching for water daily.
Visibly moved by the appreciation, Father Edmund reaffirmed his commitment to improving the lives of rural dwellers. The new water plant is expected to serve more than 2,000 residents of Enkawana No.2 and neighbouring settlements.
The project, born from a moment of personal crisis, now stands as a symbol of compassion, resilience, and the power of individual action to transform entire communities.
