PROJECT/WORK: The Member of Parliament for the Asokwa Constituency; one of the 13 constituencies that constituted the entire metropolis of Kumasi, in his determination to decisively deal with the perennial environmental hazard which usually occurred when there was torrential rains. He has decided in close collaboration with the Metropolitan Assembly to use part of his development funds tag as “MP’s Common Fund” allocated to him by the central government to find a lasting solution to the persistent flooding in the Metropolis. It is envisaged that the existing appalling network of sewage system of the whole community will be enhance and improved upon after the construction processes.

 During the course of action, the volunteers will actively be involved in construction of a number of water-drains, gullets, open gutters, culverts amongst others as a mean of creating water ways. As the work kicks-off volunteers will be tasked to do a lot of works which involves digging of trenches and pits as preparatory works for the construction of the drains. Mixing and pouring of concrete, carting of materials intended for the project from one point to another will essentially be part of the numerous tasks that confront the volunteers as the construction work progresses.

LOCATION: The project will be executed in a community called Ahinsan. Ahinsan is a suburb of Kumasi Metropolis and heavily populated area of inhabitants. In facts, it has been estimated to have formed the bulk of the population of the entire metropolis. Kumasi is the largest commercial city of Ghana with high density population of over 4 million people. It is also the nerve of the famous Ashanti Kingdom under the kingship of King Osei Tutu II.

Politically, the Metropolitan Chief Executive is the Major of Kumasi who has the oversight responsible for the development of the Township in supports of the various Members of Parliament from the metropolis. But the regional Minister of the Ashanti region has the supreme authority over the entire region and the various District/Municipal/Metropolitan authorities subject of his administration.
   
By history, the city of Kumasi was founded in the 1680’s by King Osei Tutu I to serve as the capital of the Asante State.  Given its strategic location and political dominance, Kumasi as a matter of course, developed into a major commercial centre with all major trade routes converging on it.

However, it came under the influence of the British rule in 1890. With time the city began to expand and grow thereby making it second only to Accra in terms of land area, population size, social life and economic activity.  Its strategic location has also endowed it with the status of the principal transport terminal and has assured its pivotal role in the vast and profitable distribution of goods in the country and beyond.

Kumasi is located in the transitional forest zone and is about 270km north of the national capital, Accra.  It is between latitude 6.35o – 6.40o and longitude 1.30o – 1.35o, an elevation which ranges between 250 – 300 metres above sea level with an area of about 254 square kilometres.  The unique centrality of the city as a traversing point from all parts of the country makes it a special place for many to migrate to.  The metropolitan area shares boundaries with Kwabre East District to the north, Atwima District to the west, Ejisu-Juaben Municipal to the east and Bosomtwe to the south.

Its beautiful layout and greenery has accorded it the accolade of being the “Garden City of West Africa”. From the three communities of Adum, Krobo and Bompata, it has grown in a concentric form to cover an area of approximately ten (10) kilometers in radius.  The direction of growth was originally along the arterial roads due to the accessibility they offered resulting in a radial pattern of development.  The city is a rapidly growing one with an annual growth rate of 5.47 per cent (Regional Statistical Office, Kumasi).  It encompasses about 90 suburbs, many of which were absorbed into it as a result of the process of growth and physical expansion.  The 2000 Population Census kept the population at 1,170,270.  It was however projected to 1,610,867 in 2006 and has further been projected to be 2,889,934 by 2009.

ACCOMODATION: Very modest accommodation will be provided for the volunteers’ lodging and boarding located in the Kumasi Metropolis possible at walking distance to the project site. Volunteers will as usual happily stay together as they share things in common. Mattresses and other beddings will also be provided, however volunteers are strongly advised to bring along their own sleeping bags, if any. Mosquito nets of varied sizes are commonly available on the local markets for the purchased of volunteers who will perhaps need them. Mosquito repellents could also be very useful for volunteers who highly sensitive to insects and mosquito bite.
 
Ingredients and food stuff for preparation of meals for the camp will be purchased and provided by the camp co-coordinator; it is required of all volunteers to enthusiastically participate in the cooking of food for the camp in turns.

PARTICIPATION FEE: All prospective volunteers on this and other projects will be required to pay participation fee of 250 Euros per project but 150 Euros for any additional project.

LANGUAGE: The official language of the camp will be English. However, volunteers are not restricted to using their mother tongues but for the rationale of promoting international peace, harmony and more importantly, intercultural amongst the campers hence the emphasis on use English as the main medium of communication; high proficiency is not a requirement.

EXTRA INFO: Every social and commercial amenity that will make life very comfortable, enjoyable and remarkable for the campers are abundantly available in almost every part of Kumasi Metropolis. Internet café for example could easily be accessed within the vicinity of volunteers’ residence. Visit to some tourist sites and interesting places located within and around the Metropolis will made possible after a thorough consultations amongst campefor consensus. The project host, the Member of Parliament may arrange a historical visit to the Palace of the Great Ashanti King Osei Tutu II for the volunteers pay homage and learn of the Ashanti culture.

The journey from Accra the national capital to Kumasi, the project location can be undertaken for duration of 4hours drive. Volunteers are requested to arrive in the country at least three days earlier than the commencement date of the project to enable them participate in a premeditated orientation program to stimulate their psyches towards the project, culture and social lives of the people.