Solar-Powered Water System Commissioned in Kwapun to Boost Livelihoods and Peacebuilding

December 10, 2025

UNDP Ghana_PERCH_Project.jpg — Group photo of participants.

@Solace Mensah/UNDPGhana

Through the “Improving Economic Resilience of Host Communities in the Northern Regions of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana for Peacebuilding” (PERCH) Project, communities in Northern Ghana are gaining new opportunities to strengthen resilience and promote sustainable development.

With funding from the United States Department of State, and in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ghana and the Capacity Enhancement and Community Support (CAPECS) Ghana, a solar-powered mechanized water system was handed over to the Kwapun community in the Sissala East Municipality of the Upper West Region.

This initiative will provide sustainable water for agriculture, enabling vulnerable women to engage in year-round vegetable production, improve household resilience, and foster social cohesion. It also ensures access to clean drinking water, reducing the burden on families and supporting peacebuilding efforts in the community.

At the handing-over ceremony, Pio Kwabahgu Badiyiga Ali IV, Chief of Kwapun, called for stronger collaboration to sustain peace and security:

"Peace structures in our community have successfully resolved conflicts, including those involving farmers and herdsmen. Today, our people have become more security-conscious, thanks to the activities of peace communication. We are deeply grateful to CAPECS and UNDP Ghana for this initiative, which has strengthened harmony and stability in our community," he said.

Melody Azinim, Peace and Governance Analyst at UNDP Ghana, emphasized UNDP’s commitment to empowering communities through sustainable livelihoods:

"For UNDP, helping communities organize themselves through sustainable livelihoods is part of our mandate. This joint project, funded by the US Government and implemented in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire by UNDP and IOM, is providing economic opportunities to build resilience. The success of the solar water system and other essential resources depends on proper maintenance. We encourage you to use the support and knowledge provided and contribute, even in small ways, to sustain these benefits. We thank the chief for his openness and reaffirm our commitment to promoting peace, especially among women and youth."

Also speaking at the handing-over ceremony, Abu Dokuwie Alhassan, Executive Director of CAPECS Ghana, highlighted the power of partnership, noting that:

“As we celebrate the power of effective partnership, we thank UNDP Ghana for believing in us, because this collaboration has pushed us to innovate and deliver real change in our communities. Through this partnership, we have strengthened peace structures, improved livelihoods, and built resilience where it matters most. We will continue to grow this partnership from strength to strength, ensuring that together, we create lasting impact for the people we serve.”

Among the beneficiaries, Garah Taifa shared her excitement and commitment to this timely intervention. She stated:

"It is a great honor to be selected as part of this initiative. As beneficiaries, we assure you that your efforts will not be in vain. With this mechanized farm, we are determined to improve our community and transform our livelihoods. When you return, you will see remarkable changes and proof that this support has made a real difference in our lives."

This solar-powered water system is more than infrastructure; it is a lifeline for women and youth, a tool for peacebuilding, and a foundation for sustainable development. With strong partnerships and community commitment, the people of Kwapun are ready to turn this opportunity into lasting progress.