A high-level United States delegation from The Outreach Program and Liberty University has met Ghana’s Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, to explore the introduction of a water-point system in schools nationwide and the expansion of academic exchange opportunities.

The delegation comprised Floyd Hammer, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of The Outreach Program; Kathy Hammer, Co-Founder; and James Molesey, Liberty University’s Director of International Partnerships. They were joined by Mr. Augustine Kanton, General Manager of Ghanaian private partner EKLIPS Investments Ghana Limited.

The proposal draws inspiration from the successful implementation of water-point systems in 40 Tanzanian communities, where access to clean water significantly reduced school absenteeism caused by ill-health. The team proposed piloting the system in rural and urban basic, secondary, and tertiary school communities across Ghana.

Iddrisu welcomed the initiative, calling for a pilot rollout in selected Ghana Education Service schools. He stressed that clean drinking water is crucial to improving access to education and raising standards, noting that the plan aligns with the Government’s Reset Agenda and its commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals — particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). “A water-point system could significantly lower disease risk, keeping students healthy, improving attendance, and boosting learning outcomes,” he said.

The Minister also expressed enthusiasm for establishing student exchange programmes between Ghanaian universities and Liberty University, the world’s largest Christian university, highlighting the importance of “cross-cultural engagement and academic collaboration in nurturing future leaders.”

Molesey invited Ghanaian students to apply for shared scholarships to study at Liberty University. He explained that the LU Send programme — the university’s central hub for study abroad, internships, and group travel — enables global academic experiences, combining academic credit with cultural immersion.

Liberty University also offers international scholarship pathways, including Fulbright programmes, and its International Student Center provides cultural integration support through ambassador schemes, global awareness events, and tailored assistance for international students.

Iddrisu pledged his Ministry’s support for integrating water-point systems into school infrastructure as part of broader efforts to enhance school health and retention. He also committed to pursuing formal agreements with Liberty University to facilitate exchange programmes and scholarship opportunities for Ghanaian tertiary students.