PAYOM appeals to Ghana Water Company to expand water supply system in Paga

The President of the Paga Youth Movement (PAYOM), Mr. Wenawome Duriyem Aborah, has passionately appealed to the Government of Ghana, the Ghana Water Company Limited, development partners, and other relevant stakeholders to urgently expand and improve the water supply system in Paga to address the long-standing water challenges confronting residents.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2026 PAYOM Inter-Community Unity Games, 12th July, 2026, held in Paga in the Kasena Nankana West District of the Upper East Region, Mr. Aborah described the water situation as one of the greatest development challenges facing the area.

According to him, the absence of a reliable and sustainable water supply continues to affect households, businesses, institutions, and the general socio-economic development of the township and surrounding communities.

"Paga has no reliable water system. Access to clean and regular water remains a major challenge for our people. This situation is affecting domestic activities, businesses, sanitation, and the overall growth of our communities. We respectfully appeal to the Government, the Ghana Water Company Limited, and all relevant stakeholders to come to our aid by expanding the water supply system to serve Paga and its surrounding communities," he stated.

Mr. Aborah explained that water is not only a basic human necessity but also a critical ingredient for economic growth, public health, education, tourism, and community development.

He noted that improving access to potable water would significantly enhance living conditions, reduce the burden on women and children who often travel long distances in search of water, and create a more enabling environment for businesses to flourish.

He stressed that Paga, a major border town with significant tourism and commercial potential due to attractions such as the famous sacred crocodile ponds and cross-border trade with Burkina Faso, deserves a modern and dependable water infrastructure capable of supporting its growing population and economic activities.

The appeal formed part of activities marking the successful conclusion of the 2026 PAYOM Inter-Community Unity Games, an initiative aimed at promoting peace, unity, social cohesion, and community development among the people of the Kasena Nankana West District.

This 5th Edition of the tournament, brought together 13 football teams representing various communities across the district, with the tournament serving as a platform to strengthen relationships, encourage healthy competition, and foster peaceful coexistence among the youth.

In the grand finale, De-Great Lions of Nabiu/Batiu faced off against the Nyania Community Football Team in an entertaining and fiercely contested match.

At the end of the encounter, Nyania Community Football Team emerged victorious to lift the coveted PAYOM Inter-Community Unity Games 2026 trophy amid jubilants celebrations from their supporters.

The closing ceremony also witnessed the presentation of numerous awards to deserving participants and teams. Individual awards were presented for outstanding performances, including Man of the Match, Best Goalkeeper, fair play, and exemplary conduct throughout the tournament.

Beyond football, PAYOM recognized the invaluable contributions of women and community groups that participated in various traditional games and activities. Awards and medals were presented to the Pepper Sellers Association, Market Women, Dressmakers, tug-of-war teams, sack race participants, and several other groups whose involvement added excitement and inclusiveness to the event.

Mr. Aborah expressed profound appreciation to the traditional authorities, security agencies, media organizations, sponsors, volunteers, and members of the organizing committee for their commitment toward ensuring a peaceful and successful tournament.

He also thanked the participating teams and their supporters for demonstrating discipline and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

Addressing teams that exited the tournament before the final, he encouraged them not to be discouraged but to continue embracing the spirit of unity and togetherness that inspired the games.

"Winning or losing is part of every competition. What matters most is that we have come together as one people to celebrate friendship, peace, and unity. We must continue to support one another and work collectively for the development of our communities," Aborah mentioned.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Aborah called on residents to remain committed to the ideals of peace, tolerance, and community service, emphasizing that sustainable development can only be achieved through collective effort.

"We remain one people, united by our shared desire for peace, progress, and development. Let us continue to build stronger communities through unity, mutual respect, and active participation in development initiatives," he added

The 2026 PAYOM Inter-Community Unity Games ended with renewed optimism that sports and community engagement will continue to serve as powerful tools for fostering harmony while drawing attention to pressing development needs, particularly the urgent expansion of potable water infrastructure in Paga and its surrounding communities.