Republic Bank Ghana PLC has constructed and commissioned a mechanized borehole for the people of Pwalugu in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region as part of its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation.
The mechanized borehole project, powered by both electricity and solar energy, is expected to provide the community with a reliable source of safe drinking water after years of severe water challenges.
Residents of Pwalugu previously depended on unsafe water sources often shared with animals, a situation that exposed community members to waterborne diseases and affected their daily livelihoods.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Managing Director of Republic Bank Ghana PLC, Dr. Benjamin Dzoboku, said the intervention was inspired by a documentary produced by Joy News’ Upper East Regional Correspondent, Albert Sore, highlighting the plight of the people of Pwalugu.
“Okay, we watched a documentary aired by Joy News. This was done by Albert Sore, that the people of Pwalugu share water with animals, and the water was so dirty,” he stated.
According to him, the disturbing conditions compelled the bank to intervene under its Corporate Social Responsibility programme, which focuses on four selected Sustainable Development Goals, including water and sanitation, education, health, and climate action.
“This perfectly fits under Goal 6 of the SDG for the people of Pwalugu who do not have clean and safe water,” he added.
Dr. Dzoboku recalled that when the sod was cut for the project in December 2025, many residents doubted the possibility of getting water due to the rocky nature of the area.
“I remembered very well, the chief was telling me that it would not be possible because several people came here, they tried several times, they couldn’t succeed because there is a solid rock that you could not penetrate through, but I assured him that we would get water,” he recounted.
He expressed satisfaction that, less than six months later, the project had been completed successfully. The Managing Director explained that the mechanized borehole was designed to ensure continuous water flow through a combination of electricity and solar power systems.
“What is good about this one is that it is connected with electricity, and then we have solar, so it will flow 24 hours,” he said.
Dr. Dzoboku further disclosed that consultants would work with the community for one year to ensure proper maintenance and sustainability of the facility before management responsibilities are handed over to selected community members.
He noted that the project reflected Republic Bank’s commitment to touching lives beyond banking services.
“We are not only interested in numbers, but we are also interested in touching and making impactful lives to the communities in which we operate,” he emphasized.
He added that the bank had undertaken similar water projects in the Volta Region and would continue to support deprived communities across the country.
The Bolgatanga Branch Manager of the bank, Patrick H. Kofi Dzodzegbe, described the project as a fulfillment of a promise made to the people of Pwalugu.
“In December 2025, we stood on this very same ground to cut the sod for the construction of this mechanized electric and solar-powered borehole project with a shared hope of bringing lasting relief and access to clean water for the people of Pwalugu and surrounding communities,” he said.
Mr. Dzodzegbe explained that the initiative formed part of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme dubbed “The Power to Make a Difference,” which is anchored on four pillars: the power to learn, the power to care, the power to help, and the power to succeed.
According to him, the project represented not only access to water but also the restoration of dignity and improved well-being for the people.
The Upper East Regional Minister, Akamugri Donatus Atanga, who commissioned the facility, commended Republic Bank Ghana for the intervention. He described the project as a symbol of hope, dignity, improved public health, and enhanced livelihoods for the people of Pwalugu.
“Today’s event goes beyond the commissioning of a water facility; it represents hope, dignity, improved public health, and enhanced livelihoods for this community,” he stated.
The Regional Minister said the project demonstrated the importance of collaboration between government, private institutions, and communities in achieving sustainable development.
He noted that the mechanized borehole would help reduce water-related diseases, improve sanitation, and lessen the burden on women and children who often travel long distances in search of water.
Mr. Atanga further observed that the project contributes directly to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 3, 6, and 17, which focus on good health and well-being, clean water and sanitation, and partnerships for development, respectively.
The Assembly Member for the Pwalugu Electoral Area, Moses Adongo, also expressed gratitude to Republic Bank Ghana for responding to the plight of the community and recalled the hardships residents endured over the years due to the lack of potable water.
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