History

Friends of Ghana is run by Philip Waterworth and built on his experience and expertise of working in the field of volunteering in Ghana. He is a tutor in Construction at York College and has taught there for over 10 years. His dedication to voluntary work started in 2002 when York College supported his ambition to work in Ghana with VSO for two years at the Abura Vocational/Training Institute.

In 2004 he returned to his teaching duties at the college but has continued his work in Ghana, visiting the country frequently to oversee the various projects he started there. He has also, through York College, managed to send two containers of computers, books, and other teaching aids and materials to Ghana to help with the development of local communities.

On many occasions he has raised funds amounting to several thousands of pounds to help educate local children, assist with medical treatment, provide equipment for local fishermen, start the construction of a primary school, build a local crèche accommodating 240 babies, assist in the local development of Eco-Tourism and the sustainable management of the local environment, particularly the beach area of Butre.

Philip is also a Tai -Chi instructor registered with the Tai Chi Union of Great Britain.

 

 

 

The Present 

Friends of Ghana has been set up to continue development work in the Western Ghanaian region for the benefit of the local population, and also to give young people from the UK experience of living and working in this beautiful country.The organisation’s primary area of work at the moment is in Abura, a large village near Agona in the Western Region of Ghana. It is situated in the middle of one of the largest rubber estates in the country and consequently many of the inhabitants work there for very little pay. Friends of Ghana is also providing assistance in Butre, near Busea, where the organisation is based.

In 2004 Philip was awarded the title of Nkosohene (Development Chief) by local elders for his tireless work in the area; an honour he takes very seriously.  His work in the area and appointment as a Nkosohene has helped Philip build up a network of contacts and a knowledge base to overcome some of the problems that have arisen both locally and nationally regarding voluntary work in Ghana.

Philip says, "We are only involved in work that is going to be sustainable and enable the local people and their children to grow through their own efforts.  We aim to be partners in their development."

We now need additional help to continue our work, we need volunteers,to either help raise funds for the projects, join us in Ghana for work placements, or just help raise awareness of what we are doing over there.