'Meet Me There' At Samatigu And Sankana

Revellers taking a dip in the 'swimming pool'

The Upper West region, unlike other regions in the south, cannot boast of any swimming pool where people can once in while cool off or relax.

It was therefore welcome news when a year ago, two friends from the south, Kofi Boateng and Elijah who were on transfer to Wa discovered a water body they deemed clean and habitable enough for swimming.

The water body is located between a community known as Samatigu and Sankana, about 20 minutes drive from Wa the regional capital.

The news spread like wildfire in Wa, among friends, that some form of “swimming pool” had been discovered and that people could now go and have some respite when the heat became very intense.

Thus many young people started visiting the place occasionally to either relax under some of the shea trees around or to swim.

Aside having fun, the presence of the revellers has brought some economic activities to the area as people sold all kinds of items on these days.

So during the nation’s 55th Independence Day held recently, revellers thronged Samatigu in their numbers to be part of the fun. Many were those who swam, others danced to music provided from a spinning group while others also observed and relaxed under trees with food and drinks.

Speaking to Graphic Showbiz during the independence day jam, Mr Mark Mensah Conzy, a student of the University for Development Studies (UDS), described the experience as refreshing.

“I see no reason why we cannot have a swimming pool in Wa or any part of this region. I know swimming is a very good form of exercise and so apart from having fun, at least we are also exercising our bodies” .

Mr Kofi Boateng, one of the southerners who discovered the water body also appealed to corporate organizations, especially those in the hospitality industries and other interested stakeholders, to construct standard swimming pools in the municipality so as to relieve people of boredom and intense heat which engulfed the entire Upper West region during the dry season.

“I believe it is possible to have a swimming pool here because I know some hotels in the Upper East have them. Also, life jackets could be provided as well as canoes put on the water to ‘cruise’ holiday makers across the water for a token fee” he concluded.