Ghana Together works with our Ghanaian friends of Western Heritage Home, a Ghanaian-registered and managed non-profit, to improve social, educational, and health conditions in Axim, Ghana. Together we accomplish projects, connect WHH to resourceful individuals and organizations, and create sustainable programs. We make a real difference to real people in a local, grassroots effort. Our website at http://ghanatogether.org tells our story.

Feb 25, 2010

WE HAVE WATER!!

Leif Pederson, GT Board member, and two plumbers from Breakthrough Plumbing (Axim business) discuss the in's and out's of how to get water into the polytank. At the recommendation of the Engineers Without Borders-Northwest team that worked in Axim late 2009, the plumbers installed the necessary pipes and materials to fill the tank with Axim city water. When the city water fails, due to rationing of water or power outages when the pumps stop running, the Children's Home now has a reserve supply to tide them over (with careful use).

The plumbing materials were supplied by the Koo-ooo-Koo business in Axim. Wilson Kwadam, Ghana Water Company manager in Axim, generously offered expert advice gratis. Patrick Kwofie, WHH staff member responsible for the WHH facility, shows proof that there really is water in the tank! The tank itself and stand were funded by a grant from the Mercer Island, Washington Rotary Foundation. Tom Castor, Mercer Island Rotarian and GT Board member, kept us all on track.

Long-range plans call for a rainwater roof runoff system. Meanwhile, the 21 children, WHH staff, Secondary School remedial students using the facility, and others will have at least minimal drinking/cooking/bath water during the dry season and frequent power outages. It took a long time, but by working together step-by-step, we got it done! Thanks to all.

Feb 24, 2010

SSNIT Donates Foodstuffs to WHH Children's Home

Local members of the SSNIT office in Axim made a surprise visit to the Children's Home on January 24, bringing with them much welcome gifts of rice, oil, flour, and other foodstuffs. The manager of the office presented the gifts to Ariana Amarh, Business Manager of the Western Heritage Home NGO, who thanked him on behalf of the entire staff and children. The SSNIT is a state-sponsored pension system, similar to the Social Security system in the US. Ghana Together thanks them too, and welcomes their support in this unique partnership between Americans and Ghanaians.