Twin Communities in Rural Ghana Rejoice to Get Clean Water

Two mechanized borehole water systems were officially handed over to the twin communities of Nintin and Hwidiem in Ghana’s Ashanti Region during a handover ceremony in Nintin on 18 February 2026.  The boreholes, donated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, bless the lives of approximately 5,000 rural farmers and families who have struggled for years to find a source of clean water.

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For more than 20 years residents of Nintin and Hwidiem have faced significant water shortages. The nearest water source had been a small nearly stagnant stream about one kilometer away that offered unclean water and unsanitary conditions. Health issues connected to that water source included schistosomiasis (parasitic flatworms), cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid.  Children were often sent to fetch water back to the village, but the difficulty of the journey caused these children to miss school. Data from the schools indicated that absenteeism, lateness, and poor pupil performance were attributable to the challenges of securing water.

The challenge intensified after the construction of a major road through the area damaged some of the limited water sources available to the communities. Several organizations attempted to address the problem over the years, but many of the wells drilled reached shallow underground water tables that quickly dried up.

After local leaders reached out to the Church for assistance, specialists were engaged to study the area and identify suitable drilling locations in each community. Unlike earlier attempts, contractors drilled much deeper — about 180 meters — reaching more sustainable and cleaner water sources. The result was the installation of two mechanized borehole systems designed to provide reliable access to water for residents.

The handover ceremony was a celebrated event and brought together local traditional leaders, including the queen mother of Nintin and the Saahene (subchief) of Hwidiem. Government officials in attendance included municipal assemblymen. Church representatives in attendance included President Richard Osei‑Yaw, President of the Ejisu Ghana Stake, who presided at the event.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Nana Adu Gyamfi, the subchief of Hwidiem, expressed appreciation for the project: “To be sincere, we had lost hope in getting a sustainable borehole water system,” he said. “Many well-meaning charitable organizations had made attempts without success. When the Church came to help, some of us thought it would be the same story. But this time they found water at a much deeper level, and it is clean. We are very grateful.”

Chairing the event, Queen Mother Okyekyerekuro Afia Anoswa II also conveyed gratitude on behalf of the community, saying “May the Lord bless this Church. May its boundaries continue to grow to bless many lives around.”

In his remarks, President Osei-Yaw explained that the project was made possible through the faith and sacrifices of Church members around the world.

“What we are seeing today has been made possible because of the faith and sacrifices of members of the Church worldwide,” he said. “Members fast and pray on the first Sunday of each month and contribute fast offerings. These donations support charitable efforts such as this one. How you care for these facilities will show gratitude to the Lord. I know we are all children of an Eternal Father who loves each of us. What you are seeing is one expression of God’s love for you.”

The availability of clean water not only helps address health issues in the community, but serves as a reminder that the donation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a reflection of the Savior’s admonition to bring his living water to the world. He promised, as recorded in John 4:13-14, “Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again; But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst, but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

Residents from both communities shared their appreciation following the commissioning, with some commenting that the new systems would ease the burden of traveling long distances early in the morning to fetch water. Others noted that reliable water access would help children prepare for school more easily and on time. Community leaders expressed hope that the new water systems will bring lasting relief and improved daily life to families in Nintin and Hwidiem.