By Kamal Ahmed
Akode (E/R), Dec. 01, GNA – After fourteen years, The Hunger Project-Ghana (THP-G), a non-governmental organisation that collaborates with communities to permanently eradicate hunger in Ghana, has handed over the Akode Epicentre in the Okere District of the Eastern region.
During a ceremony marking the departure of THP-G, the chiefs and residents of the beneficiary communities reflected on the impact of the project, highlighting the progress made in the five communities under the Akode Epicentre, which included Akode No. 1, Akode No. 2, Torgome, Apetorkope, and Holokpui.
The epicentre concept brings together several communities to form a vibrant hub where individual communities are inspired to take action to address their most basic needs.
The approach not only gives communities more influence over local governance than any single community could achieve alone but also aims to enhance their capacity to use resources collectively.
The Akode Epicentre established in 2011 is a hub where the five villages come together to jointly pursue their development agenda, which is centred on women’s empowerment, health, education, and agriculture.
It has amenities such as a food bank, community bank, conference room, vocational training facility, community clinic, and an ICT centre.
Community leaders and beneficiaries therefore gathered to celebrate the successes achieved and to express gratitude for the transformative initiatives that have uplifted countless lives.
Addressing the event, Mr. Samuel Afrane, the Country Director of The Hunger Project-Ghana, stated that the organization’s withdrawal should not be viewed as the end of the project, but rather as the beginning of a new chapter focused on self-reliance.
He noted that after 14 years of mentoring, it was crucial for the community to be empowered to pursue innovative initiatives that would foster development and enhance their livelihoods.
He urged the assembly to utilize the existing infrastructure of the epicentre to address the needs of the local population.
He highlighted one of the most significant impacts of The Hunger Project: the ability to change people’s mindsets, noted that understanding that they could improve their own situations without relying on others was essential.
Additionally, he expressed hope that the communities in Akode would no longer wait for the assembly to solve their problems but would instead take proactive measures to address these issues even before receiving assistance.
He took the opportunity to encourage young people, particularly girls, to take their education and skills training seriously to become strong future leaders, rather than falling victim to negative influences.
Mr. Afrane further urged the community to always have a clear goal, demonstrate commitment, and take actions to realize their shared vision.
He noted that one of the primary challenges facing the epicentre was access to water and that “The construction of Somanya-Adukrom-Koforidua Road destroyed pipelines leading to the epicenter and communities.”
“We hope to drill a borehole to provide water accessibility for the epicentre specifically the clinic” he added.
Mr. Providence Nyonyo, the Okere District Planning Officer, noted that the epicentre concept aligned with the assembly’s goal of eradicating poverty and hunger.
“As an assembly, we will all work together to safeguard this facility so that it can keep offering the public vital services and expertise” he said
Mr Charles Dzamesi, the Project Officer of the Akode Epicentre, expressed gratitude to the community members for their support and urged them to take excellent care of the epicentre.
He said that their aspiration was for the epicentre to thrive, noting that while some epicentres had achieved self-sufficiency only to later struggle, their goal was to see this particular epicentre develop continuously and grow stronger.
The event was climaxed with the planting of a commemorative tree, honouring the country director of The Hunger Project, Mr. Afrane, the Hunger Project’s team, and the invited guests.
The organization leaves behind a legacy of empowerment and sustainable development, having transformed lives and instilled hope among community members.
During its tenure, the epicentre implemented various programmes focused on education, nutrition, and women’s empowerment, laying the groundwork for continued progress in the region.
GNA