UK-Based Ghanaian Transforms Offinso Communities with Toilet and Water Projects
A United Kingdom-based Ghanaian, Mr. Richard Agyare, popularly known as Akwasi Poku, has constructed a 20-seater modern toilet facility and water projects for the Agyeimpra and Saaman communities in the Offinso South Municipality of the Ashanti Region, bringing relief to residents who have struggled with sanitation and water challenges for years.
The projects, commissioned over the weekend, attracted community members, traditional leaders, and government officials who praised the philanthropist for his generosity and continuous commitment to community development.
Kokofu Commends Agyare
The former Member of Parliament for Bantama Constituency and former Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Henry Kwabena Kokofu (Esq), who graced the occasion as special guest of honour, applauded Mr. Agyare for his consistent efforts toward improving the lives of people in Offinso and its environs.
He described sanitation as a crucial aspect of human existence and urged the residents to embrace a strong maintenance culture to sustain the facilities.
“Sanitation is an important part of human life, and as communities, we cannot live without such facilities. Now that individuals like Mr. Agyare are stepping in to complement government’s efforts, we must use them responsibly and maintain them properly,” he said.
Lawyer Kokofu bemoaned Ghana’s poor attitude towards maintenance and called for a shift in mindset.
“We have developed a bad habit of neglecting public facilities. It is time we change that. Those managing the facility must do so with commitment, and users must not destroy it,” he stressed.
He also encouraged the youth to take ownership of projects within their communities to promote unity and sustainable development, adding that society should publicly recognize people who contribute to development as a way of motivating others.
MCE Lauds Gesture
The Municipal Chief Executive for Offinso South, Hon. Frank Owusu Amoah, also commended Mr. Agyare and his wife for their benevolent act, describing it as an example worth emulating.
“Ghana belongs to all of us, and we must all contribute to its development. The government cannot do everything alone, so when people like Mr. Agyare take such initiatives, they deserve to be celebrated,” he said.
He added that improper waste disposal leads to outbreaks of diseases, noting that the new facility would help improve sanitation and reduce health risks in the two communities.
“God bless him wherever he is. As Oliver Twist would say, we ask for more of such gestures from both government and individuals,” the MCE added.
Traditional Leaders and Residents Praise Donor
The Chief of Agyeimpra and Saamanhene of the Offinso Traditional Area, Nana Afriyie Kodom II, and the Chief of Bobrahene, Nana Obeng Duodu, both commended Mr. Agyare for his continued commitment to the welfare of his hometown.
They urged the residents to maintain the facilities properly and warned caretakers against poor management.
“We must not allow these facilities to deteriorate. Those taking care of them must show respect and responsibility,” the chiefs stated.
Some residents who spoke to the media expressed joy and gratitude to Mr. Agyare and his family, saying the new facilities would greatly improve their lives.
“We thank him and his wife for thinking about us. This will help us a lot,” one resident said.
Mr. Agyare, over the years, has supported several community initiatives, including donations of food and cash, payment of hospital bills for patients at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Offinso, and the construction of smaller community projects.
The commissioning of the new toilet and water facilities marks yet another milestone in his continued efforts to improve sanitation, promote health, and support development in the Offinso area.
