By Patience Gbeze, GNA
Accra, May 11, GNA – The Right to be Free, a Ghanaian Non-Governmental Organisation has presented popcorn machines and other starter items to selected returnees under the ECOWAS-Ghana Joint Support Project on Persons of Concern (POCs).
The donation was Sponsored by ECOWAS-Ghana and supported by the Ghana Government through the National Disaster Management Organisation, Ghana Refugee Board, to facilitate the Ghanaians returnee’s reintegration through small business start-ups.
Reintegration and empowerment of returnees remain major challenge on the African continent, Ghana inclusive.
Mr. Eric Peasah, the Director of Right to Be Free, who made the presentation to the 12 beneficiaries in Accra, said the presentation was to give opportunity, restoring hope, and helping people stand on their own again for livelihoods.
“As we say in Ghana, “little by little, the bird builds its nest.” What we are giving today may look small, but with hard work and commitment, it can grow into something big,” he said.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to take good care of the machines, use them for their purpose, and make good use of the opportunity given them to impact others in their communities.
Mr Peasah explained that the ECOWAS-GHANA Joint Support Project on Persons of Concern, is a six-month project aimed at providing skills, training, and popcorn machines to assist returnees to grow their businesses.
Dr Nasibatu Taohiru Seallah, Deputy Executive Secretary of Ghana Refugees Board, urged the beneficiaries to utilise the donated items and equipment to make themselves reliable and self-sustaining.
He noted that the items were vital steps in improving their status as well as making them self-dependent.
She advised them to actively use the tools, to also create jobs, boost local economies, and reduce dependency on formal employment.
Madam Grace Akua Pomah, a beneficiary who spoke on behalf of the other beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the sponsors and partners for their support, which she said would significantly impact their livelihood.
Right To Be Free/Africa, is basically focused on combating child trafficking, is actively engaging in empowerment initiatives for returnees and vulnerable families in Ghana.
Their work includes providing skills training and vocational tools to help rescued children and their families achieve economic independence.
Working on the front lines, they facilitate education, micro-loans for families, and vocational training, with 100 percent of donations directly supporting the children.
Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and reintegrate trafficked children, focusing on eliminating child labour.
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei