From Training to Transformation: How a Dream Renewables Alumnus Helped Bring Clean Water to Tenabea
Solar powered water community project for residents of Tenabea, an off-grid farming community in the Techiman North District of the Bono East Region
The journey towards a sustainable solution began with a member of the community. Mr. Folix Ati-Ackah, a Dream Renewables alumnus and native of Tenabea, identified the challenge facing his community and worked with Dream Renewables, community leaders, residents, and the Techiman North District Assembly to develop a renewable energy-powered water solution.
For many rural communities, access to essential services such as clean water and reliable energy remains a daily challenge. But sustainable change often begins when people closest to these challenges are empowered to create solutions.
In Tenabea, an off-grid farming community in the Techiman North District of Ghana’s Bono East Region, that change began with one community member who understood the challenge firsthand.
Folix Ati-Ackah, a Dream Renewables alumnus and native of Tenabea, had witnessed how reliance on unsafe water sources affected his community’s health, daily activities, and livelihoods. For years, residents depended on a nearby stream for drinking, cooking, and household activities. During the rainy season, the water became muddy and unsafe, while dry seasons brought reduced availability.
Women and children often carried the greatest burden, spending significant time travelling to collect water.
Having gained technical skills and renewable energy knowledge through Dream Renewables’ training programme, Folix saw an opportunity to support his community with a sustainable solution. He brought the challenge forward and worked alongside Dream Renewables, community leaders, residents, and the Techiman North District Assembly to develop a solar-powered water system built around what the town actually needed.
Project installation with Dream Renewables and Community members
A community-led renewable energy solution
Building on the technical skills gained through his training and his continued involvement with Dream Renewables, Folix led a collaboration between Tenabea residents, local leaders, the Techiman North District Assembly and Dream Renewables to design and build the water system. The project grew out of his own knowledge of Tenabea and the residents’ long-standing push for a fix, and now provides reliable clean water to roughly 800 people.
The completed system uses a 1.8 kW solar PV array to power a 2 hp solar submersible pump, controlled by a dedicated solar pump controller, which pumps groundwater from the borehole into a 5,000-litre elevated storage tank mounted on a steel support structure. Powered entirely by solar energy, the system provides a clean, reliable and sustainable water supply without relying on fuel or grid electricity.
Water is distributed through a central community water collection point comprising two standing taps and one low-level tap, improving access for residents while reducing congestion during water collection. The distribution network was also extended to the Community Health Centre ensuring a reliable supply of clean water to support healthcare delivery and improve hygiene within the facility.
From the outset, the project prioritised local ownership alongside technical implementation. Community engagement meetings and capacity-building workshops on system operation, maintenance and long-term management brought together residents and local leaders to establish a clear approach for managing the facility after installation.
These engagements informed the establishment of a Water Management Committee, which is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, coordinating routine maintenance, managing community contributions for future repairs and helping to ensure the continued functionality of the water system.
Reflecting on the successful completion of the project, Folix Ati-Ackah shared:
‘‘Seeing this project become a reality is a dream come true. Having lived through the challenges of water scarcity in Tenabea, I know what this means for the community. This project will transform lives, improve health, and give hope to future generations. I am grateful that Dream Renewables believed in this vision and made it possible.’’
Before the Installation: Community members relied on this nearby stream as their primary source of water for drinking, cooking, washing and other daily household needs.
Beyond infrastructure: building sustainable communities together
After the Installation: Community members collecting water from the newly installed water system.
The Tenabea Solar-Powered Community Water Project demonstrates that development is strongest when communities lead the way and partners work alongside them. Folix’s initiative, the commitment of community members, the support of the Techiman North District Assembly and Dream Renewables’ technical expertise each played an important role in bringing the project to life.
Beyond improving access to clean water, the project demonstrates how investing in people can create lasting change. By equipping individuals with knowledge and technical skills, communities are better positioned to identify their priorities, shape solutions and manage infrastructure for the future.
At Dream Renewables, we believe renewable energy has its greatest impact when communities are at the centre of the process. Through partnerships with local leaders, government institutions and community members across Ghana, we continue to support renewable energy solutions that improve health, livelihoods, education and opportunity.
Since the system went live, Tenabea’s taps run on sunlight, not fuel or fatigue and that shift started with one alumnus who decided to act.
Safe water, right where it is needed. Daily routines are now simpler for Tenabea community .
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