By Emelia B. Addae
Addo-Nkwanta (E/R), Dec. 16, GNA – The Hunger Project (THP) – Ghana has celebrated a milestone in the self-reliance of nine communities in the Abuakwa South Municipality under the Addo-Nkwanta Epicenter, established in 2009, showcasing their achievements in sustainable development and empowerment.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Samuel E. Afrane, the Country Director of THP-Ghana, expressed his joy at witnessing the self-reliance ceremony after 15 years of dedicated mentorship.
He noted that THP has equipped the beneficiary communities with essential resources, including infrastructure, employable skills, and capacity-building initiatives that promoted continuous improvement and innovation in programme implementation.
He also highlighted that the Epicenter had established a well-structured leadership system, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities to ensure sustainability.
This framework is designed to empower local leaders and foster a sense of ownership among community members, contributing to the long-term success of their self-reliance efforts.
“With the above support, you beneficiaries can practise a good maintenance culture to help eliminate hunger and poverty,” he said.
The Epicenter features a Community-Based Health Planning and Services compound, complete with nurses’ quarters, a conference room, a banking hall, and a computer laboratory.
The beneficiary communities served by this facility include Addo-Nkwanta, Ankaase, Patase, Abesim Yeboa, Ntabea, Asantewaa, Bomposo (both number one and two), and Adotowa (both number one and two).
To commemorate the transition, a tree seedling was planted at the Epicenter, symbolizing growth and sustainability.
Mr. Afrane remarked, “Although you are now self-reliant, we will continue to monitor your activities and assess your progress.”
The Hunger Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending hunger and poverty by pioneering sustainable, grassroots, women-centered strategies.
Through its initiatives, THP empowers communities to achieve lasting change, fostering resilience and self-sufficiency.
In a related development, the Australian High Commission in Ghana has contributed to the Community-Based Health Planning and Services compound in the Addo-Nkwanta Epicenter by providing a 10-seater water closet toilet facility to enhance WASH outcomes in remote communities.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Madam Lakeisha Finn, the First Secretary of the Australian High Commission in Ghana, stated that the new facility would help reduce open defecation and improve infection prevention control, both of which are critical factors in enhancing maternal and child health.
She explained that this facility was made possible through the Australian Direct Aid Programme, which aims to achieve sustainable development in local communities.
She also noted that the Addo-Nkwanta toilet facility was one of nine projects supported by the High Commission in Ghana and part of a broader initiative that includes 18 projects across West Africa this year.
Baffour Afrane II, Chief of Akyem Addo-Nkwanta, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for this generous gesture and assured the donor of the community’s commitment to the long-term use and maintenance of the facility.
GNA