Two women leaders in development and community empowerment have been installed as queenmothers in the Bongo Traditional Area, recognizing their contributions to improving access to water, sanitation, and education for local communities.
Ms. Ewurabena Yanyi-Akofur, Country Director of WaterAid Ghana, has been installed with the skin name “Kosom Pognaba” (Queenmother of Potable Water) in honor of her leadership in implementing WaterAid Ghana’s strategic plan for universal access to safe water in the Bongo District. Under her guidance, Bongo has become a model district, with the organization providing water infrastructure, redirecting treated water from the Vea Dam, and addressing long-standing challenges such as high fluoride levels in underground water.
WaterAid Ghana has also launched a sanitation challenge, collaborating with traditional authorities to combat open defecation and establish a Sanitation Fund to help vulnerable households construct toilets, improving health and environmental conditions in the district.
The Paramount Chief, Bonaba Baba Salifu Atamale Lemyaarum, praised the initiative, noting that “Water is life, and without water, we cannot achieve any of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” He reaffirmed the traditional council’s commitment to working with development partners to enhance livelihoods in the region.
Also honored at the ceremony was Ms. Lee Eun Mi, now Awinbono Salifu, Managing Director of Divine World Mission, who was installed as “Tinsongre Pognaba” (Queenmother of Community Development). She has contributed significantly to women and girls’ empowerment through educational and agricultural initiatives, as well as establishing technical and vocational centers to teach trades such as smock and cloth weaving.
The installation of both queenmothers highlights the integration of development leaders into traditional governance structures, enabling them to influence decision-making on issues central to water, sanitation, and community development in Bongo.
