Justin Adonadaga

Justin Adonadaga is from Ghana. ‘’Ghana has many problems related to water availability, quality, equity and the ecological system that facilitates the water cycle. I want to use the knowledge and skills I am learning at UNESCO-IHE to address these water challenges in Ghana. Furthermore, I want to gain expertise in integrated water management, development of sustainable water and sanitation infrastructure.''

''The programme during the first week allowed me to interact with almost all of the participants, many of whom have now become my friends."

"Delft is a beautiful, clean city with hospitable people that make me feel safe. “The city has a Catholic Church where I can pray on Sundays. Delft and UNESCO-IHE feels like: my home, away from home."

''UNESCO-IHE is well-known for having taught most of the world's water engineers and water managers. The multicultural environment at UNESCO-IHE attracted me.'

Justin on his goals when he finishes studying: "I want to continue working for the Ghanaian Non-Governmental Organisation KALABASH which I founded together with our partner which is the Dutch Donor Agency FLOORGHANA. I want to be of help in areas prone to flooding and drought. I also intend to help others by sharing my knowledge in Africa."

‘’Currently I am writing a book entitled ‘’Silent March’’ about the effects of climate change on water reservoirs, wetlands and birds. The book explains how the wetlands and rivers drying up in Northern Ghana, which have led to the death of thousands of birds who are dependent on the resources from them. Previous generations have told the story of the migrating birds that they saw pass through our region each year. Now we can only tell the tales to our children, as the birds no longer pass through our region.’’ 

"I decided to study in the field of water as water plays an important role in the life of the Ghanaians. In Ghana, women are often culturally sanctioned to collect water and water defines and confines the opportunities of women. Water has a direct impact on issues such as education, health and social participation. Water enables women to be lift out of poverty when they are given the correct infrastructure and management skills, it can lead to socio-economic improvements in their life."

On equality for women: ''I helped my mother with household chores throughout my childhood, of all the chores my mum carried out, collecting water was the most difficult and also destructive to my mother’s freedom and development. My mother stopped brewing local beer as it was too dangerous for her to safely transport that much water, although it provided the family with good income. We might not be able to fight a culture, but we can fund water and sanitation projects empowering women to build their own lives.''

''I have two daughters and I want them to have the same opportunities as men when they grow up. I want them to compete with men and perhaps even do better than men.''