LocationsUNDP and Partners Hand Over Solar-Powered Borehole to Boost Women’s Livelihoods in Suke
July 18, 2025
Group photo of some women beneficiaries in Suke
For women farmers in Suke, a community in Ghana’s Upper West Region, access to water has long been a major barrier to productivity, income, and wellbeing. That is beginning to change.
With funding from the Governments of Denmark and Luxembourg, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and CAPECS-Ghana have handed over a solar-powered mechanized borehole to more than 100 women to support year-round farming, ease the burden of water collection, and strengthen household resilience.
This is part of the “Boosting Women’s Economic Resilience and Inclusion in Decision-Making and Peacebuilding” project, which seeks to empower women through improved livelihoods and stronger roles in community governance and peacebuilding.
“This intervention has brought dignity and relief to our community,” said Chief Dakui Yiriminoh Zimi III during the official handover. “For years, we lived with unsafe water, poor harvests, and health challenges. Its impact will be felt in our homes, on our farms, and in the lives of our children. We are grateful and ready to maintain it for the benefit of future generations.”
Chief Dakui Yiriminoh Zimi III, giving his remarks
In addition to reliable access to water for year-round farming, women in Suke are being supported with business and financial training, the formation of Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs), and tools to participate in local leadership and peacebuilding processes.
“This intervention goes beyond access to water,” said Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuingu, Upper West Regional Minister. “It supports dry-season farming, improves food security, and eases the burden on women who are central to rural livelihoods. It is a key step toward building climate resilience and strengthening local economies.”
Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuingu, Upper West Regional Minister, giving his remarks
The solar-powered system is expected to enhance agricultural productivity while reducing the time and physical effort spent on fetching water giving women more time and opportunity to focus on their farms, businesses, and families.
“Women are great agents of change and have the potential to drive lasting peace in our communities,” said Rev. Fr. Dr. Moses Z. Banungwiiri, Chairman of the Upper West Regional Peace Council. “As the women of Suke receive this support, my hope is that more women take active roles in community structures to help peace and development take root.”
Rev. Fr. Dr. Moses Z. Banungwiiri, Chairman of the Upper West Regional Peace Council, making his submission
“UNDP remains committed to building women’s economic resilience and inclusion in decision-making and peacebuilding across Ghana,” said Melody Azinim, Peace and Governance Analyst at UNDP Ghana. “Women are key stakeholders in development and climate action, and through targeted support like this, we are helping create the conditions for inclusive and lasting progress.”
Melody Azinim, Peace and Governance Analyst at UNDP Ghana, delivering her remarks
With continued local support and sustainability efforts, the people of Suke are hopeful that this intervention will mark a turning point in the economic and social well-being of the community starting with the women who hold it together.
“Before this support, getting water for our farms was a daily struggle, especially during the dry season. Now, with the borehole, I can water my crops, support my family, and even save some income”, Aminatu Issah, Farmer and Beneficiary in Suke.
Aminatu Issah a farmer together with Melody Azinim on the farmland
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