22 Years of Transforming Lives: Celebrating the Legacy of the West Gonja Sponsorship Programme

For 22 years, World Vision Ghana, a Christian humanitarian and child-focused organisation, has worked alongside vulnerable families and communities, guided by its vision: “Life in all its fullness for every child.”

On 19 August 2026, this chapter reached an important milestone with the closure of the West Gonja Sponsorship Seed Programme. More than the conclusion of a programme, the event marked a celebration of lives transformed, dignity restored and hope renewed.

Over the past two decades, World Vision Ghana and its partners have:

• Invested more than US$7.79 million in interventions across water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), education, livelihoods, interfaith collaboration, sponsorship and child protection.
• Reached 77,826 people through various development initiatives.
• Provided access to safe drinking water for more than 45,000 people through 106 boreholes and 11 solar-powered water systems.
• Supported 43 communities to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status while contributing to improved sanitation and hygiene practices.
• Assisted 48 schools with hygiene facilities and training.
• Established 289 Savings for Transformation (S4T) groups, expanding access to financial services, increasing household incomes and strengthening community resilience.
• Increased child protection awareness from 24% to 70%, while birth registration rates reached 89%.
• Trained 60 artisans in latrine construction and maintenance to help sustain WASH improvements.

“These are not just numbers; they represent stories of dignity restored, futures strengthened and hope renewed,” said Joshua Roland Baidoo, Acting National Director of World Vision Ghana, during the closure ceremony.

The event brought together community members, children, traditional leaders and local authorities to celebrate these achievements and reflect on future opportunities for development.

Although the West Gonja Sponsorship Programme has come to an end, World Vision Ghana’s commitment to the area continues through initiatives such as the Universal Service Coverage (USC) for WASH programme, which seeks to expand access to safe drinking water, and the THRIVE 2030 Project, which focuses on strengthening livelihoods, building resilience, expanding economic opportunities and promoting child wellbeing.

“We could not have achieved these milestones without the support of World Vision US, the generosity of the people of the United States of America, and the commitment of chiefs, children, government institutions and communities who have walked this journey with us,” Joshua added.

“Together, we have demonstrated that when partnership, commitment and shared vision come together, meaningful and lasting change is possible.”