Residents of the Nyania/Babile Electoral Area in the Kassena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region have expressed gratitude to philanthropist and community development advocate, Wenawome Duriyem Aborah, for constructing a culvert over a stream that has long hindered movement within the area, particularly during the rainy season.
The intervention, funded through Mr. Aborah’s personal resources, has brought relief to residents who for years struggled to access schools, health facilities, markets, and the district capital, Paga, whenever the stream overflowed following heavy rains.
Residents say the stream often becomes impassable during the rainy season, leaving many stranded and disrupting economic and social activities.
Veronica Alhassan, an Agricultural Extension Officer and resident of Nyania, recalled the difficulties residents endured before the construction of the culvert.
“Especially when it rains, people find it difficult to cross. Those using motorbikes had to park and walk across, while drivers often had to use alternative routes. Women carrying children, farmers transporting produce, and sick people seeking medical attention all faced serious challenges,” she said.
According to her, the situation affected access to the CHPS compound, the district hospital in Paga, schools, and the main market.
“When someone was sick, it was difficult to transport the person to a health facility. Farmers also struggled to transport their produce to the market. The bridge has brought great relief to the community,” she added.
Ms. Alhassan commended Mr. Aborah for sacrificing his personal resources to address a long-standing challenge confronting the community.
“May God richly bless him. If he had not done this, many people might have considered relocating from the community. This project will contribute greatly to the development of the area,” she said.
Another resident, Augustina Averu, described the culvert as a major intervention that has improved mobility within the community.
“At first it was not easy, especially when it rained. People had to park their motorbikes and vehicles before crossing on foot. Now things are easier for us because of what Mr. Aborah has done,” she stated.
Awiah Gilbert, another resident, also expressed appreciation to the philanthropist for responding to the needs of the community.
He noted that while more work remains to be done to improve the road network, the culvert has significantly eased movement and reduced the challenges residents previously encountered.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Aborah said the initiative was inspired by years of witnessing the difficulties community members faced whenever the stream overflowed.
“We have lived in this community for a long time, and every rainy season, it becomes difficult for people to get in and out. Children struggle to go to school, the elderly fall while crossing, motorbikes and vehicles get stuck, and many parts of the community become inaccessible,” he explained.
Mr. Aborah said several attempts had been made by residents to mobilize support for the project, but progress was slow, prompting him to personally take up the responsibility.
“I felt that the little I could contribute should be used to help address the problem. We started by constructing the culvert and later added gravel to improve the road. It is not everything we wanted to do, but it is what we could afford for now,” he said.
The philanthropist stressed that community development should not be left solely to government, urging citizens to contribute their quota toward improving living conditions in their communities.
“It is not because I have a lot of money. It is a passion-driven initiative. Government cannot do everything alone. Individuals must also take responsibility and support development efforts where they can,” he stated.
Mr. Aborah further called on district assemblies and local government authorities to prioritize the creation and demarcation of roads in growing communities to prevent encroachment and improve accessibility.
He noted that proper road planning would encourage community participation in infrastructure development and make it easier for residents to undertake projects such as culvert construction to improve mobility.
Wenawome Duriyem Aborah is the Managing Director of Kacstone Records, a music and entertainment company based in Paga. He is also the Chairman of the Paga Youth Movement (PAYOM) and Chairman of the Paga District Chapter of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF).
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