By Michael Foli Jackidy
Kpetoe Beh (V/R), Jan. 07, GNA – Bishop Dr Nutifafa Takyi, the Leader of the High Church of Africa (HiCA), has emphasised that the church’s mission extends beyond the preaching of the gospel to actively addressing the needs of its members and the wider community.
Bishop Takyi said the HiCA was committed to equipping its members with skills and creating job opportunities, which would help alleviate poverty among both church members and the local communities where they operated.
Bishop Takyi shared these remarks during the church’s two-year anniversary celebration and the commissioning of HiCA Natural Mineral Water, a Pure Water Factory under TAWA Ventures Company, in Kpetoe Beh, located in the Agortime-Ziope District of the Volta Region on Sunday, January 05.
“The goal is to empower the community by creating jobs. We cannot just focus on spreading the gospel without addressing the economic needs of our members,” he said.
He further highlighted that the new water company will not only provide employment opportunities for church members and the local community but will also help resolve the persistent issue of poor drinking water that has plagued Kpetoe for over a decade.
Bishop Takyi assured that the water produced by the factory has been tested and approved by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), confirming its high quality, which meets or exceeds standards compared to other water brands.
He emphasised that the initiative would provide the local communities with access to clean and safe drinking water, improving their health and well-being.
Looking to the future, Bishop Takyi expressed his ambition for the company to grow into the largest beverage and bottled water production company in the Volta Region and beyond.
He called on the factory’s staff and managers to work diligently, with honesty and dedication, in order to achieve the company’s objectives and contribute to the success of the project.
“Our doors are open to support and assistance from the government, NGOs, philanthropists, chiefs, opinion leaders, and our church members,” he stated, urging various stakeholders to collaborate in helping HiCA achieve its broader goals for the Christian community and society.
The event was also graced by the War Lord of Agortime Kpetoe, Nene Akoto Sah VII, who chaired the occasion.
Nene Akoto Sah expressed gratitude to HiCA for establishing the factory, acknowledging the long-standing water challenges in the area.
He stated that the quality of the local water source had been a major factor in the health issues faced by the community and encouraged HiCA to take good care of the factory and expand it in the future to better serve the community’s needs.
In addition, he called on the incoming government to prioritise the resolution of the water crisis in Kpetoe and its surrounding communities, recognizing the urgent need for a sustainable solution.
Kpetoe has been grappling with water challenges for several decades, leaving its residents with limited access to clean and reliable water sources.
For many years, the citizens of Kpetoe have had to rely solely on the Todze stream that passes through the area as their only source of water. However, this stream, which is not always consistent and often contaminated, has posed serious health risks for the community, leading to frequent waterborne diseases.
The ongoing water scarcity has made life difficult for the people, as they struggle to find a safe and sustainable water supply. The lack of an adequate water distribution system has also hindered the region’s overall development and well-being.
The only water source available to them, the Todze stream, has been unable to meet the growing needs of the population, especially during dry seasons or times of natural disturbances.
The commissioning ceremony was well-attended by church members from all branches, church leaders, local chiefs, community leaders, and members of the Beh community.
The event marked a significant milestone in HiCA’s mission to not only spread the gospel but also foster social and economic development in the region.
GNA