Adumasa Manya: Nestl© Ghana Limited, in collaboration with ECOM, has handed over boreholes to the residents of Adumasa Manya, a farming community in the Eastern Region. This initiative aims to enhance the health and productivity of the community by providing access to clean water.
According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative seeks to address the water access challenges faced by cocoa farming households, particularly alleviating the burden on women and children who previously had to travel long distances for water. Mr. Emmanuel Baffoe-Bonie, Assistant General Manager for Sustainability at ECOM, highlighted during the commissioning ceremony that the centralized water source would enable families to focus on other important activities by freeing up their time.
The collaboration between Nestl© and ECOM has resulted in the installation of 15 boreholes across three administrative regions: Ashanti, Central, and Eastern, during the 2024-2025 cocoa season. This development benefits 7,180 farmers and their households. ECOM, a leading soft commodity services group, and Nestl© have been working together on the Nestl© Cocoa Plan, a cocoa sustainability programme designed to improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers.
As part of the Nestl© Cocoa Plan, farmers have been encouraged to adopt good agricultural practices and engage in alternative livelihood programmes to boost household income and enhance overall livelihoods. Mrs. Deborah Kwablah, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager at Nestl© Ghana Ltd., reiterated the company’s commitment to implementing interventions that uplift the living standards of cocoa farmers and their families. She emphasized that by providing access to clean water, Nestl© is contributing to better health outcomes and empowering communities to achieve sustainable futures.
The Chief of Adumasa Manya, Baffour Nadu Tetteh I, expressed gratitude towards Nestl© and ECOM for their support and urged other companies to assist in constructing a school and health centre for the community. The newly established water facilities have been placed under the stewardship of water management committees. Members of these committees receive training on the basics of facilities management, ensuring community involvement in the management and sustainability of the water resources.
Nestl© recognizes the significance of collaborating with key stakeholders, including local communities, in efforts to enhance the livelihoods of cocoa farmers. By prioritizing innovative and sustainable solutions, the company aims to create a long-term positive impact in the cocoa farming sector.