Helping Others See What They Can Achieve: Dr. Adwoba Edjah on Mentoring in Hydrogeology

Dr. Adwoba Edjah is from Ghana, in West Africa. She is a hydrogeologist by profession and lectures at the University of Cape Coast.

Dr. Edjah takes part in the Women in WASH & RWSN mentorship programme as a mentor.

Sharing What She Has Learned From Others

Dr. Edjah traces her motivation to mentor back to the guidance she received throughout her own career. “I find inspiration in my experiences as a hydrogeologist, researcher, and lecturer, where I have learned a lot from others’ guidance. I think it’s important to share what we know to help others develop.”

What she finds most rewarding is watching that guidance translate into confidence. “The best part for me is watching a mentee become more confident, face challenges, and discover they can achieve more than they first thought.”

A Mentee Who Grew Into Her Own Ideas

Dr. Edjah recalls a mentee who started out unsure of herself and gradually grew more confident in her own ideas and skills. “As they began to take charge of their work and believe in their own potential, I was reminded that mentorship is not about giving people answers. It is about helping them see what they can achieve.”

Becoming a Better Listener

Dr. Edjah describes mentoring as sharpening her communication and leadership. “Mentoring has made me a better listener, communicator, and leader. In my work, it pushes me to think about my own experiences and share what I know in clearer ways.” She adds that the relationship works in both directions. “I’ve also learned that growth goes both ways. As I help others, I keep learning from their ideas, questions, and perspectives.”

Her Advice to First-Time Mentors

Dr. Edjah encourages new mentors not to wait until they feel fully prepared. “You don’t have to know everything or be perfect to be a good mentor. Focus on building confidence in others, share your experiences honestly, and help your mentee notice strengths they might not see yet.” She points to the outsized effect small moments can have. “Sometimes, a single conversation, a new opportunity, or just believing in someone can make a big difference in their path.”

Why She Believes Mentorship Matters

For Dr. Edjah, mentorship is about connecting hard-won experience to future opportunity. “Mentorship matters because it links experience to opportunity. As professionals, we should share the knowledge and lessons that have shaped us. Mentorship helps people build confidence, supports the next generation, and encourages a culture where everyone can grow and give back.”

What She Recommends

When asked for a book, tool or resource recommendation, Dr. Edjah points to established technical references in her field. “I recommend using the WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality, as well as practical hydrogeology and groundwater resources like the International Association of Hydrogeologists publications. These materials link scientific knowledge to real-world WASH challenges.” She sums up her view of good practice simply. “Good WASH practice means understanding the water we use, its sources, how it moves through the aquifer, and how we can protect it for the future.”