22Bet Ghana Commissions Mechanized Borehole to Address Water Scarcity in Have Fiakpokorpe

Mr. Dickson Asssan, Accountant and Compliance Manager at 22 Bet giving his keynote address at the event

By Desmond Tinana

With great excitement and a rich display of culture, the people of Have Fiakpokorpe in the Akatsi South District of the Volta Region of Ghana on Friday the 15th of November 2024 welcomed dignitaries for commissioning of a mechanized borehole built by the Thx 22 Foundation as it marks the end of struggle for water in the community which according to the Assemblyman Hon. Japheth Festus Gbede has lasted for 10 years.

According to some residents of the community, they used to walk for about 2 hours just to get water to use, which was not drinkable, a situation which at a point led to a cholera outbreak and other water-borne diseases.

In a significant move aimed at improving the lives of the people, the charitable arm of Bet 22, Thx 22 Foundation, officially commissioned a mechanized borehole in the community.

In the keynote address by Mr. Dickson Assan, the accountant and compliance manager of Bet 22 said the mechanized borehole was “a precious gift of clean water, funded and constructed by Thx 22 Foundation and is a step towards a brighter, healthier future.” He added, “Water is not just a necessity; it’s the foundation for health, education, and dignity, and this borehole symbolizes the promise of a better life for all here.”

He emphasized the critical importance of access to clean water in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims for “clean water and sanitation for all.” Mr. Assan stated, “By providing safe, reliable water, we help build stronger communities where people can thrive, free from the burden of water scarcity.”

The borehole will serve as a crucial source of clean water for the community, benefiting hundreds of residents who previously struggled to access safe drinking water. “We are giving them not just water, but the promise of improved health and an opportunity for a better life,” said the Accountant.

According to him, in 2023, Thx 22 Foundation completed a similar water project in Awutu Samsamsu II, in the Central Region of Ghana, providing over 500 people with access to clean water. This year, the foundation responded swiftly to the Akosombo Dam spillage, collaborating with GHASBO and Danpong Community Hospital to organize health screenings in affected communities. He highlighted that such initiatives are part of 22Bet Ghana’s broader mission. “We are here to create lasting impact in communities that may not even be aware of us. Our duty is not just business; it’s about improving lives,” he said, emphasizing the company’s dedication to social responsibility.

Elo Akabike, Country Manager for 22 Bet Ghana (in the middle) and Hon. Japhet Festus Gbede Assembly man for Wuxor Have Sremenu Electoral Area fetching water from the newly commissioned mechanized borehole in Fiakpokope

The decision to build the mechanized borehole at Fiakpope came when the Assembly man of Wuxor Have Sremenu Electoral Japhet Festus Gbede reached out to Thx 22 Foundation after seeing a social media post about their CSR initiatives. “I wrote to Mr. August Dixie after seeing the post, and by God’s grace, he responded. Today, we’re commissioning this much-needed borehole,” said Mr. Gbede.

As part of plans to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project. The Assembly Man noted that a committee will be formed to oversee the daily operations of the borehole, ensuring its security and maintenance to serve the community for years to come.

Elo Akabike, Country Manager for 22Bet Ghana, expressed his excitement about the partnership with the Have Fiakpokorpe community. In an interview with journalists at the event, he said “This is just the beginning of our relationship with this community. We have already started with a borehole, but we are committed to continuing our efforts, whether through more water projects or health initiatives like the recent breast cancer screening we conducted.”

He emphasized that the company’s focus on giving back is a core principle. “The communities that support us deserve the best we can offer in return. We hope to expand our CSR efforts across Ghana, improving lives and creating positive change wherever we operate,” Akabike concluded.

The Chief of Have Fiakpokorpe, Torgbui Fiakpo II, who was present at the event, and the Honorable Assemblyman Mr. Japhet Festus Gbede expressed their intense gratitude to the Thx 22 Foundation for their kind gesture on behalf of the community. The chief noted that

As the event came to a close, the community celebrated this momentous achievement with hopes that the borehole would serve as a stepping stone to even greater developments in Have Fiakpokorpe. The commissioning of this borehole marks just the beginning of 22Bet Ghana’s long-term commitment to social responsibility and community development.