Stanbic Bank and Asere-Amartse Chiefs Deliver Sustainable Water Solution to St. Mary’s Anglican Primary School

Introduction

Access to clean water is a fundamental human right and a critical component of educational development. In rural and semi-urban communities across Ghana, the lack of reliable water infrastructure often forces students to walk long distances, disrupting class time and exposing them to health risks. A recent collaborative effort in the Akotolante community highlights how strategic partnerships between corporate entities and traditional leadership can bridge this gap.

Stanbic Bank Ghana, in partnership with the traditional authority of Asere-Amartse We within the Ga State, has commissioned a sustainable water infrastructure project at St. Mary’s Anglican Church & Primary School. This initiative addresses a long-standing water crisis that had plagued the school, ensuring a steady supply of fresh water for pupils and staff. This article explores the details of the project, the pedagogical importance of water access, and the vital role of traditional leadership in national development.

Key Points

Background

For years, St. Mary’s Anglican Church & Primary School in Akotolante faced severe operational challenges due to the absence of a reliable water source. In many parts of rural Ghana, schools rely on surface water or require students to fetch water from distant locations. This logistical burden falls heavily on both pupils and staff, consuming valuable instructional time.

The lack of potable water is not merely an inconvenience; it is a barrier to education. Without water, sanitation facilities (such as latrines) cannot be maintained, and basic hygiene practices are compromised. This creates an environment where preventable diseases thrive, leading to high rates of absenteeism and, eventually, school dropouts. The intervention at St. Mary’s Anglican Primary School was designed to dismantle these barriers through sustainable infrastructure.

The Role of Traditional Authorities

In Ghana, traditional authorities (chiefs and queenmothers) play a pivotal role in land administration and community governance. Their involvement in development projects ensures cultural alignment and long-term sustainability. The Asere-Amartse We traditional authority’s participation in this project signals a shift toward traditional leaders actively driving educational and health outcomes, moving beyond ceremonial roles to practical nation-building.

Analysis

The commissioning of the water facility at St. Mary’s Anglican Primary School serves as a case study in effective Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and community development. The project’s success lies in its multi-stakeholder approach, combining the financial and technical resources of Stanbic Bank with the social capital and trust of the Asere-Amartse We chiefs.

Water Access as a Public Health Priority

Queenmother Naa-Amorkor Shika Futru I emphasized that water access is a public health and national leadership priority. When schools lack clean water, the consequences extend beyond physical thirst. Poor hygiene leads to waterborne illnesses, which directly correlate with absenteeism. From a pedagogical perspective, a healthy student is a ready learner. By securing a water infrastructure project, the school removes a significant physiological barrier to cognitive engagement.

Economic and Social Implications

The Queenmother noted that water scarcity “undermines human venture capital management.” This economic perspective frames students as future assets. When children miss school due to preventable illnesses caused by poor water quality, the long-term economic potential of the community is diminished. Investing in water infrastructure is, therefore, an investment in human capital development.

Furthermore, the project highlights the concept of “communal accountability.” By involving the entire community—elders, youth, and religious leaders—in the project’s lifecycle, the initiative fosters a sense of ownership. This ensures that the infrastructure is maintained and protected, moving away from the “donor-recipient” model to a “partner-custodian” model.

Corporate Commitment to Sustainability

Stanbic Bank’s involvement aligns with global trends in sustainable banking. Mawuko Afadzinu, Head of Brand and Marketing at Stanbic Bank Ghana, highlighted that the bank recognizes the intrinsic value of children. Supporting access to clean water is a tangible way to demonstrate this commitment. Unlike one-off donations, infrastructure projects like this provide lasting value, reinforcing the bank’s brand identity as a partner in national growth.

Practical Advice

For schools, communities, and corporate organizations looking to replicate this model of sustainable development, the following pedagogical and logistical steps are recommended:

1. Conduct a Needs Assessment

Before initiating a project, identify the specific challenges. In the case of St. Mary’s, the issue was distance and reliability. A proper assessment helps in designing the right technical solution (e.g., borehole depth, pump capacity).

2. Engage Traditional Leadership Early

Engaging traditional authorities like the Asere-Amartse We chiefs is crucial. They possess the legitimacy and knowledge of the local terrain. Early engagement ensures community buy-in and prevents land disputes or cultural misunderstandings.

3. Design for Sustainability

Infrastructure must be durable and easy to maintain. The inclusion of a booster system and polytank suggests an understanding of storage and pressure needs. Organizations should budget for long-term maintenance, not just installation.

4. Integrate Hygiene Education

Installing a water source is only half the battle. Schools should integrate hygiene education into the curriculum. Teachers can use the new facility as a practical teaching tool for biology, health, and environmental science.

5. Establish a Maintenance Committee

Form a committee comprising teachers, parents, and community elders to oversee the water facility. This ensures accountability and quick repairs if the system fails.

FAQ

Conclusion

The commissioning of the water infrastructure project at St. Mary’s Anglican Primary School is a testament to the power of collaborative development. By combining the corporate social responsibility goals of Stanbic Bank with the traditional leadership of Asere-Amartse We, the community has secured a vital resource that will benefit generations of students.

This initiative goes beyond providing water; it safeguards health, protects instructional time, and fosters a sense of communal ownership. As Queenmother Naa-Amorkor Shika Futru I eloquently stated, water may seem elementary, but its absence triggers consequences that undermine human potential. This project stands as a model for how sustainable investments can secure the future of education and community wellbeing in Ghana.