The Sandlanders support for local projects will develop as the club grows. Initially, we will set out several core areas where we intend to direct funding and attention. We will liaise directly with those best informed to apply funding in each particular area. In relation to healthcare for instance we will liaise with any local practitioners and the people themselves to establish what is needed. All projects which we support will have the sustainable development of the town in mind and we will target the specific needs of the town’s population. We welcome the suggestions of our members who may have ideas on particular ways in which we can assist the community.

As the site develops members will be able to see pictures and video footage of the people who will benefit from these projects, we will keep all members informed through regular reports on the progress of all of the specified schemes.

HEALTHCARE

Keta has 1 orthodox medical practitioner for every 22,000 people. Access to healthcare can often be an issue as Keta has a single small hospital (pictured below) which serves a number of localities. Traditional healers have been a major source of health care delivery in the Volta region for a long time and there is no locality without a traditional healing facility within a 5km radius. It is imperative that due attention is given to the system of healthcare to ensure that all healthcare provided is regulated and effective and that the population has access to the facilities and expertise that they need.

We will discuss with local healthcare workers and the local people where funding would be best directed, possibly towards providing small clinic facilities over a wide area to promote the spread of orthodox medicine and to provide adequate access to healthcare to everybody.

The Sandlanders will also work with HIV/AIDS awareness schemes in Keta and will display banners at our matches providing information to sensitise the population on HIV/AIDS issues.

EDUCATION

Adult literacy in the Volta region is just under 60%. The region has identified that investment in education is essential for all aspects of development in the region and should be given priority in regional and district policy planning and resource allocation. The cost of schooling is often a problem for poor families and in area where child labour is still a major issue; real efforts need to be made to get as many children as possible into full-time schooling. Again, we will liase with local schools and local people to identify where funding can best be directed - possibly through a system where the Sandlanders will offer scholarships to students whose families are unable to support their education.

INDUSTRY

Local industry is dominated by farming and fishing. In the long term, we believe that the best way to enable sustainable growth in the town will be to help local workers to make the most of their resources.

Poor agricultural production has been described by analysts as being at the core of the growth problem in Ghana as a whole and there is a need to tackle the structural problems of the sector. Efforts need to be made to modernise agricultural production using appropriate technologies to increase productivity. Agricultural workers need to be assisted to enable farmers to acquire implements and small to medium scale irrigation equipment to enable farming throughout the year. Industrial establishments need to be based on locally available inputs that will generate employment and make them more efficient. ‘Youth in Agriculture’ programmes need to be supported to promote modern techniques which will enable farmers to make the most of the land. Exactly the same principles need to be applied to local fishing practices, training fishermen in effective modern practice and investing in infrastructure (such as road-building) to allow workers to make the most of their resources. A new mini seaport at Keta has now been proposed now that coastal erosion has been curbed and land reclaimed. It is thought that such a port would help to decongest the Tema harbour.

The Sandlanders hope to be able to assist and promote local workers to make the most of their industries. Investments in infrasture will strengthen the area as a whole. In keeping with our strategy in this area, we will speak with local workers to identify precise needs in this area.

TOURISM

As explained in Keta in Profile the area has huge potential to attract investment through tourism and we will also look to promote sustainable local projects which will enhance the area and benefit the environment.

One such project is currently being developed on one of Keta’s beaches. Local resident Kojo Baaba (right) has commissioned a development of beachside huts which will offer tourists scenic and comfortable accommodation. The huts will be built simply using local materials and other facilities on the site (including a bar/restaurant) will be built in keeping with the character of the development. Coconut trees are being planted on the site to ensure privacy (a policy which is also highly beneficial for the environment, stabilising the shoreline and improving the appearance of the site).

Plans will be available shortly which will illustrate how the site will look on completion and we will keep our members updated on the progress of this development. In the meantime, please see the pictures below and left which show the site as it stood a few weeks ago and the view over the sea from the site.