Solar-powered water system installed at Ellembelle Islamic SHS

The Uthman Bin Affan Islamic Senior High School at Kamgbunli in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region has received a solar-powered water purification system to help address its long-standing water challenge.

The facility was commissioned on Monday, September 21, 2026, by the Member of Parliament for Ellembelle and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.

The project was provided under the Arosia Water Safe Drinking Water Initiative by Erda Illumine Low Carbon Solutions, in partnership with the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, and implemented through the Forest Plantation Farm.

The installation follows tests which revealed that the school's water source was contaminated with bacteria.

An official of Erda Illumine said the system dispenses 500 millilitres of water per tap for school use and five to 10 litres for community use. It is operated with an RFID card system, with 20 to 30 cards to be provided to the school.

The official said a local caretaker and office would also be established to support the maintenance of the system for 15 years. The facility is powered by solar energy.

Wepia Awal, a Board Member of the Forest Plantation Farm, said the project seeks to support 15 communities in Ellembelle, with four installations completed so far under the first phase.

He said the next phase would cover the Jomoro and Nzema East Municipalities.

Armah-Kofi Buah, who commissioned the project, commended Erda Illumine Low Carbon Solutions for the intervention, saying he was impressed with the technology and its potential to improve health.

He pledged to partner with the group to extend the water project to other communities in the Ellembelle District.

Buah also commended the Ellembelle District Chief Executive, Joseph Agyekum, for his efforts in constructing a potable water facility at the school to complement efforts to address its water challenge.

The Headmaster of the school, Alhaji Osuman Zakaria, commended the partners, the MP and the DCE for the interventions.

He said water had been a major challenge for the school and that the projects would be transformative for teaching and learning as well as the health of students.