In a significant stride towards sustainable water management, Gowrie Senior High Technical School (SHTS) commissioned a groundbreaking greywater treatment system, showcasing a successful model of community-driven innovation and international partnership.
The ceremony, held on July 1, 2025, highlighted the collaborative spirit that transformed a local challenge into an exemplary solution.
The commissioning ceremony was graced by a multitude of dignitaries and partners, including Bonaba Salifu (Paramount Chief, Bongo), GWL Regional Directorate, Jesse Kazapoe (WRC Regional Director), Erik Bruijne, Jaap Bos, and Huisman Sanne from the Dutch Water Authority, Madam Diana Asabia (Kpasenkpe Sub- Basin Committee Chairperson), Mumuni Abdulai (Environmental Officer, Bongo District Assembly ), the Parents and Teachers Association, Hon James Akuribila (Gowrie Assembly man), District Director of Education, Gowrie SHTS Staff, Dominic Anarigide (ICOUR Managing Director), Godfred Yaw Agbenyeke (Representative from the Environmental Protection Agency), Robert Atawura (Country Programs Manager, Tree Aid), Hon Abaah Akansella (Bongo District Chief Executive), and Hon Alhaji Ibrahim Habila (Bongo Coordinating Director).
The Assistant Headmaster, Dominic Atokuntaba, expressed the school’s immense pride in being the first recipient and beneficiary of this multi-purpose project. He acknowledged the critical support from Erik Bruijne and the Dutch team, in conjunction with the Water Resource Commission. Mr. Atokuntaba highlighted the school’s long-standing concern over sanitation, particularly the discharge of dormitory wastewater into the Vea Dam, a source of drinking water. He detailed the school’s internal efforts to find a home-grown solution through its technical department, which then gained traction with the Bongo District Assembly’s outreach to the Water Resource Commission and the Blue Deal program. He affirmed the school’s commitment to maintaining the project and its desire to replicate the success elsewhere if resources become available. He further appealed to the duty bearers for assistance with persistent acute water shortages and accommodation challenges, suggesting the construction of new boreholes and mechanization of existing ones, and the need for more dormitories. The Assistant Headmaster also requested support for reliable transport for students’ academic activities, as the school’s only pickup often breaks down and there is no alternative.
Jesse Kazapoe of the Water Resources Commission emphasized the project’s long gestation, over five years, and the dedication of various individuals. He vividly described the transformation of the project site from an “unsightly” and malodorous area to a visually appealing and pleasant environment, a testament to the efforts of Blue Deal and Water Resources Commission. He underlined the project’s broader objective of “uptake,” encouraging others to learn from and implement similar systems, and emphasized ongoing innovation to refine the system for diverse applications and cost-effectiveness across institutions, communities, and households.
The Blue Deal Project Coordinator, Dr. Aduku challenged the school to proactively address potential issues, such as mosquito breeding from stagnant water, emphasising that the project’s current design originated from a student competition and encouraging further student-led improvements.
Erik Bruijne from the Dutch Water Authority reiterated the power of teamwork and positive thinking, encouraging the students to believe in their ability to overcome challenges. He praised the collaborative efforts of Mr. Mamouni and Jesse in bringing the project to fruition.
Bonaba Salifu, the Paramount Chief of Bongo, expressed his delight at the project’s completion, highlighting the Netherlands’ unparalleled expertise in water management, drawing a compelling analogy to the construction of Amsterdam’s airport on water. He strongly advocated for the project’s long-term sustainability, urging the school’s management to prioritize maintenance. The Chief also spoke of his commitment to securing better water provision for the district, specifically advocating for the government to hand over the local water treatment plant near Gowrie to community water initiatives to combat the serious fluoride problem.
Madam Asibi Alebs of the Ghana Water Commission provided insightful details on the project’s history, noting that the idea to involve students in finding indigenous solutions to the water quality problem emerged in 2021. A student competition led to the selection of a winning design, which was then refined and implemented in 2023. She proudly stated that the project primarily uses locally sourced materials, including an innovative use of plastic and sand in its concrete-like structure, showcasing the students’ ingenuity and commitment to environmental protection.
The event culminated with a ceremonial sword-cutting by the Paramount Chief at the project site, guided by the school’s technical teacher and Erik Bruijne. The Gowrie SHTS cultural group entertained the attendees with a traditional dance display, followed by a group photo and exchange of pleasantries. Erik Bruijne was called upon to present footballs to the school, a gesture fulfilling a promise made by Dr. Aduko to the students for their dedicated support.
