At Ghana West Africa Missions (GWAM), as a cooperative effort, we value the principle of unity to create partnerships to demonstrate the love of God by helping those who are in need. This unifying principle has led to drilling over 1200 wells in northern Ghana to assist close to 2.5 million people in having the dignity of clean water - all to the glory of God.

 

 

Short History

 

In 1987, little water well drilling had been conducted in northern Ghana. As the result of missionary efforts by the church in northern Ghana, it was discovered that water quality and sanitation was a serious issue that needed addressing. 

 

After seeing the suffering and feeling compassion, The church of Christ in Traverse City (Michigan) decided to help the people of northern Ghana to have clean, contaminant-free water to drink, wash and cook. They got together to raise funds, hoping to drill three wells in a village called Wenchiki, which had a population of over 2,000 people.

 

At the end of an initial campaign, they had raised over $85,000.00 - not just enough to drill three wells, but 15 wells for the suffering people in northern Ghana. While the church at Traverse City was raising funds, the people of Ghana were searching for someone to drill the wells.

 

Initially, a partnership was established with World Vision International to assist in drilling the wells. At that point, it was decided to start a non-profit organization that was providing resources, equipment, and technical expertise to drill wells. Equipment was purchased, and a partnership was developed with UNICEF to conduct the work to help alleviate the suffering of the people of Ghana - especially women and children.

 

GWAM - Ghana West Africa Missions (501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

 

Since 1987, almost 1,000 wells have been drilled, and more than 2,500 wells have been refurbished, cleaned, and rebuilt. The result of this is that almost 2.5 million people have been given clean water to drink and creating sustainability - along with opportunity and hope.  

 

While partnering with UNICEF, UNHCR, USAID, and other organizations such as churches, universities, and government and non-government agencies, the infant mortality rate in the villages where wells have been drilled has dropped nearly 20%. In addition, water systems and latrines (restrooms) have been built for 35 rural schools, making it possible for children, especially girls and women, to have privacy and safety. 

 

In addition, the combined effort of well drilling and ministry has produced over 800 new churches that have been established in northern Ghana, resulting in over 50,000 people being baptized into Christ.

 

Today, we are known as GWAM (Ghana West Africa Missions), working with the - Rural Water Development Program (RWDP) in northern Ghana. The RWDP headquarters are located near Tema, Ghana, with a field office in Yendi, Ghana - base field operations. 

 

We continue to be involved with development efforts to provide hope, a better life, and sustainability for the people of northern Ghana.