Bright Water Foundation logo with water drop with ripples.
Instagram Facebook-f
Group shot, two rows, one of people in green shirts, one of people in traditional tribal clothes.

Bright Water Foundation’s Whole-Community Approach in Rural Ghana

Engaging Community Stakeholders for Safe Water Impact

Families First: Our Primary Stakeholders

At Bright Water Foundation (BWF), we deliver our Safe Water Initiative through targeted “field projects,” each bringing safe water education directly to a selected community. Families in these communities are the ones most affected by unsafe water—and they are the reason we do this work. They are our primary stakeholders.

Yet the need for safe water touches every part of society. In every project area, success depends not just on reaching families, but on engaging other key stakeholders—those who influence or support health, education, and community development.

Our relationships with community stakeholders are not just helpful—they are essential.

Key Community Stakeholders in Atiwa West District

In Ghana’s Atiwa West District, we strive to build strong, mutually supportive relationships with a wide range of local stakeholders.

  1. Assembly Members (Local Government Representatives)
    Elected representatives who serve their respective communities.
  2. District Health Directors
    Oversee public health initiatives and healthcare facilities across the district.
  3. Heads of Local Healthcare Facilities
    (CHPS Compounds, Clinics, Health Centers) – Manage day-to-day health service delivery.
  4. District Education Directors
    Implement education policy and oversee schools and student education throughout the district.
  5. Heads and Teachers of Local Schools
    Key contacts for child and youth engagement in safe water education.
  6. Traditional Leaders (Tribal Chiefs and Queen Mothers)
    Cultural custodians and influential voices in community decision-making.
  7. Religious Leaders (Christian, Muslim, Traditional, etc.)
    Trusted figures who mobilize communities and provide moral leadership.
  8. Community-Based Organizations and Local NGOs
    Partners in project implementation and community mobilization.
  9. Opinion Leaders and Elders
    Respected individuals whose insights shape public attitudes and decisions.
  10. Local Business Owners
    Contributors to economic stability and community well-being.
Man speaks to gathering of tradition community leaders.

Dennis Agyekum, Bright Water’s Ghana Program Manager, introduces the BWF Safe Water Initiative to community and tribal leaders during a Durbar—a Ghanaian traditional ceremonial gathering.

Building Trust from the Start: Early Engagement Practices

We begin each project by engaging these local leaders—before Safe Water Educators (SWEs) visit a single household. BWF Project Leaders meet with stakeholders to introduce the Safe Water Initiative, explain its goals and process, invite open dialogue, and secure community support. SWEs—easily recognized in their bright green shirts—may also attend and are introduced.

Leaders and SWEs together visit church services throughout the community and offer whole congregations a first look at the program. This allows faith leaders to give the safe water initiative a warm, public welcome.

Local Voices, Local Strength: The Role of Project Leaders and SWEs

Our Project Leaders and SWEs are more than project facilitators, they are community members themselves. As such, they are also stakeholders, bringing unique strengths to each project.

BWF provides expertise and funding, but these stakeholders’ voices are a key to success. Their insights, dedication, and fluency in the local language help bridge gaps and build trust. Without them, BWF efforts would likely not succeed.

The Power of Inclusive Development

Five people standing in a line smiling at camera.

BWF Ghanaian and American staff members with Dr. Benedict Bekui, MD (center), Director of Health Services in Atiwa West District. Dr. Bekui is a strong proponent and friend of BWF’s program.

When local voices are heard, safe water solutions become more effective. Here’s how:

  • They help identify real needs, anticipate challenges, and offer practical solutions that outsiders might overlook.
  • Their cultural and social understanding ensures solutions are relevant, accepted and sustainable.
  • Their involvement helps align BWF safe water efforts with community priorities, so project funds are used most effectively.
  • They help verify BWF impact—especially through data gathered independently by district health and education authorities.
  • They foster accountability and transparency, reducing resistance and strengthening program efficiency.


Their involvement builds personal and community capacity, encouraging long-term self-reliance and adaptability for change.

Three men sit smiling at camera.

Dennis Agyekum (right) and Stephen Abu Sr. (center) visit with Mr. Ebo Sey (left), Headmaster of Abomosu STEM Senior High School. (Mr. Sey has been  reassigned since the time of this photo.) (Mr. Abu is a local businessman and good friend of Bright Water whose influence helped pave the way for BWF in Ghana.)

A Whole-Community Approach for Lasting Change

Inclusive, community-led development leads to stronger, more sustainable results. To truly help families reduce illness and death from unsafe water, we aim to engage every possible asset and ally.

By working hand in hand with the full spectrum of community actors, we ensure that safe water education is not just delivered—but embraced, sustained, and owned by the people it’s meant to serve.