Ketu North Municipality, Volta Region – Latter Day Saints Charities (LDS Charities), the humanitarian arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, has constructed and inaugurated 10- and 20-seater micro water closet (WC) toilet facilities in four communities within the Ketu North Municipality.
The beneficiary communities include Tadzewu, Devego, Klenormadi, Afife, and Wovenu Senior High School in Tadzewu.
These projects, valued at GH¢700,000, were undertaken in response to an appeal made by Dr. James Klutse Avedzi, Member of Parliament (MP) for the area.
At separate ceremonies held in these communities to commission and officially hand over the projects, Mr. Patrick Meli Attipoe, Assemblyman for Tadzewu Electoral Area, lauded LDS Charities and the MP for realizing this vision.
He emphasized that the facilities would significantly contribute to ending open defecation in these communities, thereby enhancing public health and safety.
Mr. Attipoe also highlighted the urgent need for a Computer Laboratory at Wovenu Senior High School to support the teaching and learning of ICT. He appealed to the charity organization to consider providing this essential resource for the school.
Elder and Sister Dunn, Humanitarian Missionaries in charge of the Africa East area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, shared the history of LDS Charities.
It was established over forty years ago in response to a severe famine that affected East African countries in the early 1980s. In an effort to raise funds to assist famine victims, the Church appealed to its worldwide membership to observe a day of fasting and prayer and donate the money they would have spent on meals for that day.
This initiative generated over US$ six million at the time, which was used to provide relief to famine victims. The overwhelming response from members led to the creation of the humanitarian arm of the church, LDS Charities, which has since carried out numerous charitable projects worldwide.
Elder Dunn emphasized that LDS Charities is founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly His directive to feed the hungry, help the sick, and visit those in prison.
The church continues to fulfil this mission through its humanitarian arm, providing assistance to people from diverse backgrounds, irrespective of race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, or political persuasion.
Elder Dunn commended the residents of the beneficiary communities for their cooperative spirit in successfully completing the projects, viewing them as shining examples for others to emulate.
He urged the communities to maintain the facilities to extend their lifespan and serve their intended purpose.
Dr. Avedzi expressed profound gratitude to LDS Charities for promptly responding to his appeal and encouraged them to continue extending such love and support to other communities in the country facing similar needs.
He also encouraged the beneficiary communities to adopt a culture of maintenance to ensure the facilities are well-preserved and fulfil their intended function.
The events were attended by Mr. Edem Eric Agbana, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate for Ketu North, NDC constituency executives, traditional leaders, Assembly members, and other dignitaries.
Reporting by Nelson Ayivor. Editing by Mariam Aminu.
