From thirst to triumph: VIMA delivers safe water to forgotten village in Ghana – Nsemkeka
For generations, the people of Matse-Nkuase rose each morning with the same daily burden — walking long distances in search of water from a murky, unreliable source. Children fell ill. Mothers worried. Hope dwindled.
But that story changed when a small act of compassion from across the ocean turned into a lifeline for an entire community.
The dusty path to waterlessness was finally broken last week when Volunteers for International Medical Aid (VIMA) commissioned a fully mechanised submersible borehole water system in the village — a project made possible through the generous support of partners in California, USA.
Amid drumming, dancing, and tears of gratitude, villagers gathered to witness what many called a “miracle in their lifetime.”
“This is more than just water. This is health. This is dignity. This is hope,” said Francis Agbemafle, Founder and Executive Director of VIMA. “For years we’ve worked in villages like this because we believe that no child should go to bed thirsty and no mother should fear that the water her child drinks might be the reason he doesn’t wake up tomorrow.”
Mr. Agbemafle dedicated the project to the hard-working women of Matse-Nkuase, drawing from the memory of his own late mother, a woman who raised him through hardship and taught him the value of resilience.
He urged women in the community to continue building strong families even amid daily struggles.
A Community Transformed
Before the arrival of the borehole, Matse-Nkuase had no access to safe drinking water. Residents relied on a muddy, open water source, contaminated and dangerous. Illnesses were common, especially among children.
“Three years ago, when we visited this community, we saw a level of deprivation that broke our hearts,” recounted Mr. Christopher Webu, VIMA’s Country Projects Manager. “There was no clean water. No toilet. Children went barefoot to school. We had to do something.”
The story reached Dr. Steve and Susie Portz in Las Vegas, USA, longtime VIMA supporters. Touched by the dire situation, they worked with their son CJ Portz, a previous donor, to redirect part of his $10,000 contribution towards building a water system.
Alongside family members Andrea and Noelle Portz, the funds brought the project to life.
Today, the water system stands tall, equipped with a submersible pump, an overhead poly tank, and complete electrical wiring, mounted on a 5-foot concrete platform, serving hundreds of villagers with clean water daily.
The Spirit of Giving Spreads
The ripple effect of goodwill didn’t stop there. Present at the ceremony was a visiting volunteer group from the United States, including Brian Asher and Zarah Rezapour, who were deeply moved by the living conditions in the village.
In an impromptu but powerful pledge, they promised to fund the construction of an 8-unit toilet facility for the community, a long overdue need.
As part of their visit, the group also funded a $6,000 propane tank project for the VIMA home kitchen, boosting efficiency and hygiene for the charity’s base of operations.
Voices of Gratitude
The village chief, Togbey Setorwu Kofi Amponsah, emotionally thanked VIMA and its partners for their continued investment in the community.
“This is not just help, it is salvation. Our people now live with less fear, more health, and more dignity.”
Mr. Jude Agboyo, headmaster of the local primary school, added his voice of appreciation, noting that VIMA’s previous donations of clothing and school supplies had already made a visible impact, and now, access to clean water would further transform the academic environment.
Hope That Flows
As the first gush of clean water streamed from the tap, children clapped and elders wept. For a community that had long lived on the fringes — seen, perhaps, as too small to matter — the borehole stands not only as a source of clean water but as a symbol of visibility, value, and a future reclaimed.
In a world where millions still lack access to safe drinking water, VIMA’s work at Matse-Nkuase is a reminder that compassion knows no boundaries, and transformation often begins with one bold, intentional act of giving.