ADRA-Ghana concludes livelihood support project in refugee camp

By Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu

Tarikom (U/E), Jan. 27, GNA – The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA-Ghana), a non-governmental organization, has organized a close-out workshop following the implementation of a livelihood project at the Tarikom Reception and Settlement Centre in the Bawku West District.

For over 15 months, ADRA-Ghana had been implementing a World Food Programme (WFP)-funded project titled, “Enhancing food security, nutrition, and resilience of the most food-insecure and vulnerable host communities and asylum seekers in the Upper East Region.”

The primary objective of the project was to contribute to improve the long-term resilience and nutritional standards of vulnerable populations within the most food-insecure and vulnerable host communities and asylum seekers in the Region.

In October 2022, several communities in the Bawku West District recorded an influx of Burkinabés from neighbouring towns, including Zabre, Bugri, and Zoago, following suspected terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso.

While some asylum seekers had since returned to their home country, many remained at the Tarikom Reception Centre.

Speaking at the close-out ceremony, Dr Isaac Kankam-Boadu, the Country Director of ADRA-Ghana, noted that the project, which began in October 2024, targeted refugees and host communities at Tilli, Timonde, Sapeliga, and Widnaba.

He explained that 80 per cent of the support was allocated to refugees, while 20 per cent benefited the host communities and said the project focused on building capacity in areas such as vegetable and livestock production.

Dr Kankam-Boadu added that the project supported non-agro-based ventures, including the production of shea butter, ‘dawadawa’, and pastries, “We trained the beneficiaries from start to finish and provided all the necessary inputs and equipment so there would be no barrier to production.

“The beneficiaries have exceeded expectations. The yields are excellent. In Ghana, the average maize yield is about 2.2 to 2.5 tonnes per hectare; however, with the support provided, these refugees have achieved 3.75 tonnes per hectare,” he disclosed.

Dr Kankam-Boadu, who also serves as the Project Manager, added that the intervention included an aquaculture component where 15 beneficiaries were divided into three groups and that each group produced over 800 catfish.

He expressed optimism that the fish would be market-ready within six to seven months adding that “The most encouraging aspect is the diversification. Some began with vegetables but used their proceeds to expand into livestock production. That is a significant success.”

Acknowledging the collaborative efforts, Dr Kankam-Boadu thanked the Department of Agriculture, the Veterinary Service Department, the Fisheries Commission, the Water Resources Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

He also noted that ADRA-Ghana worked closely with the Peace Council and the Social Welfare Department to promote peacebuilding and social cohesion.

“So right from the beginning, we integrated the sustainability and exit strategy into the implementation of the project and that assures as that they are going to continue to support the project so that the gains made will continue to leave with the beneficiaries,” he said.

Madam Sarah Bachon-Ene Mwinibuobu Bamie, the Upper East Regional Director of the Fisheries Commission, on behalf of Professor Benjamin Betey Campion, the Executive Director of the Commission, commended ADRA-Ghana and the WFP for the initiative, noting its significant potential for the Region.

In a speech read on his behalf, Mr James Ayamwego, the Bawku West District Chief Executive (DCE), thanked the partners and called for further interventions to support residents.

Similarly, Mr Sika Agbesi, the Regional Coordinator for the Ghana Refugee Board (GRB), appealed to the WFP to extend support to future livelihood programmes.

Some beneficiaries in interviews with the Ghana News Agency, expressed profound gratitude to ADRA-Ghana and its sponsors, stating that the initiative had significantly improved their quality of life in the settlement centre.

GNA

Edited by Caesar Abagali /Kenneth Odeng Adade