Ghana has achieved a significant milestone in the Rotary Club International as it officially becomes a single-country district, District 9104, starting from July 1, 2023. This achievement follows the dedicated efforts of various Rotary Clubs in Ghana to meet the necessary criteria, including having a minimum of 75 clubs and 2,500 members.
Rotary International is a globally recognized organization that brings together 1.4 million individuals committed to creating positive change worldwide. Since its establishment in Ghana in 1958, Rotary has played a crucial role in various fields, promoting service to others, integrity, understanding, goodwill, and peace.
Rotary in Ghana has evolved over the years and has been actively involved in numerous areas, including providing clean water to deprived communities, aligned with its focus areas. The organization has championed projects that contribute to maternal and child health, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, community and economic development, basic education and literacy, peacebuilding and conflict prevention, and environmental sustainability.
The elevation of Ghana to its own single-country district, District 9104, will enhance the administration of Rotary clubs in the country. Previously, Ghana was part of District 9102, which also included Togo, Benin, and Niger. However, due to significant membership growth in the past decade, District 9102 was divided into two districts, namely District 9103 and District 9104. Currently, Ghana has 63 clubs with approximately 1,600 members.
The Rotary clubs in Ghana have been instrumental in implementing projects aligned with Rotary’s focus areas. Notably, their efforts in providing clean water to combat Guinea worm disease have resulted in over 80 percent of Ghana’s population gaining access to clean water. Additionally, Rotary has been actively involved in the global campaign to eradicate polio, collaborating with international partners such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization. As a result, Ghana has been declared a polio-free country.
The investiture ceremony of Mr. David Osei Amankwah as the first District Governor of Rotary International District 9104 marked the official appointment. This event was attended by representatives from prominent organizations and high-profile dignitaries, including Former President John Agyekum-Kufuor and Lady Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, who delivered a speech commending Rotarians for their contributions to society and calling for their leadership in women empowerment and peacebuilding.
As the new District Governor, Mr. Amankwah has outlined his focus areas, which include empowering and encouraging youth through collaboration with relevant institutions to provide skills training and support for employment opportunities and entrepreneurial development. He also plans to undertake impactful legacy projects and environmental support programs, particularly through tree planting.
Mr. Patrick Chisanga, responsible for Rotary Zone 22, praised Ghana for this achievement and emphasized the historic significance of Ghana becoming a district. He encouraged Ghana to focus on membership growth due to its immense potential. With the new district status, Ghana can directly access more resources, benefiting from the increased availability of support and opportunities.
The elevation of Ghana to a single-country district in Rotary International is a testament to the commitment and dedication of Rotarians in Ghana. It represents a significant step in advancing Rotary’s mission of creating positive change and making a lasting impact on communities in Ghana and beyond.
