Globally Engaged in Ghana

Western Michigan University's Department of Chemistry electronics shop supervisor Sean Bashaw has had a long-standing relationship with Global Host Project, a grassroots organization committed to development and volunteerism in Ghana. Recently, Sean and his wife Connie Bashaw (retired scholarship assistant, WMU Office of Financial Aid), helped to raise funds used to construct the first 10-seat public toilet facility in Duakor, off the Cape Coast of Africa. Sean collected monetary donations from WMU organizations, including the National Organization of Black Chemist and Chemical Engineers in order to begin construction on the new public facility. By creating this public lavatory, Sean hopes that this will create a sanitary environment to the people of Duakor and initiate an increase of tourism to the Cape Coast.  

Though the installation of the public facility was a powerful advance, Sean does not plan to end his involvement for the improvement of Duakor. His next anticipated trip will be within two years to erect more sustainable public facilities. Sean says, "Every time we go, we will be doing something. I get a lot of satisfaction in going and seeing what has been accomplished. It’s a rewarding experience and makes you appreciate what we have in the United States."

Sean and Connie Bashaw have made a personal commitment to being globally engaged by continuing to volunteer their time and talents in Ghana. In 2012 they were recognized for improving technology education at Okyeso Primary and Junior High School by donating five laptops. Not only did they purchase the laptops, they also traveled more than 5,500 miles to personally ensure that the laptops were installed and ready for use.

Global Host Project’s executive director and WMU alumna, Nicole Michelle Beauchamp '02, and country director, Paa Kwesi Sampson expressed great appreciation for the generosity of the Bashaws. Beauchamp and Sampson made it clear that an ongoing relationship has been established between the Bashaws and Global Host Project.