By Philip Tengzu
Fatchu, (UW/R), Aug. 29, GNA – About 100 women and young people in Fatchu, a border community in the Sissala West District, have received livelihoods support as part of efforts to reduce vulnerabilities and strengthen their resilience against violent extremism and withstand climate shocks.
The community, which shares border with Burkina Faso, was considered vulnerable to the threat of violent extremism, exposing the people to the risk of radicalisation and recruitment into extremist activities.
The intervention, therefore, sought to empower the community economically while strengthening its capacity to prevent and respond to threats of violence.
The Capacity Enhancement and Community Support (CAPECS) implemented the initiative in partnership with UNDP and funded by the governments of Denmark and Norway under the Preventing and Responding to Violent Extremism in the Atlantic Corridor Project.
The beneficiaries received support to launch the businesses across 22 high-impact green ventures, including make-up artistry, tailoring, poultry production, bread baking and groundnut-paste production, among others.
A 1.58-acre fenced farm, equipped with a solar-powered mechanised borehole, was also commissioned to support the beneficiaries in year-round high-value vegetable production.
Speaking at a ceremony in Fatchu to commission the facility, H.E. Jakob Linulf, Ambassador of Denmark to Ghana, said the support formed part of efforts to promote peace and stability in communities along Ghana’s borders.
He said the partnership was based on the conviction that people in border communities needed the support to keep their communities safe while building sustainable futures for themselves, their children, and Ghana as a whole.
H.E. Linulf commended the traditional leaders in Fatchu for their role in supporting the initiative and urged the beneficiaries to use and maintain the facilities properly.
Mrs. Ingrid Skjølaas, Minister Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission, Norway, said promoting women’s inclusion in economic activities was important not only for improving livelihoods but also for promoting peace and stability.
“We believe inclusion of women in livelihood initiatives … also contributes to peace and stability … and can contribute to the growth and wealth of the society”, she said.
Mrs. Skjølaas said Norway remained committed to supporting African-led initiatives that promoted peace and security.
Dr Edward Ampratwum, Head of the Transformative Governance Cluster, UNDP, said the livelihood intervention formed part of measures to address vulnerabilities that could contribute to radicalisation towards violent extremism.
He said the project was also working through the Regional Peace Council to strengthen local peace committees, promote social cohesion and enhance communities’ capacity to live peacefully with different groups.
Dr Ampratwum urged the beneficiaries to collaborate with local peace committees, community leaders and security agencies in maintaining peace and security in the community.
Mr Charles Lwanga Puozuing, Upper West Regional Minister, urged the beneficiaries to take ownership of the facilities and ensure their proper maintenance to secure lasting economic benefits for the community.
He said the real measure of the intervention would not be the excitement surrounding its handover, but its impact on their livelihoods in the years ahead.
Mr Abu Dokuwie Alhassan, Executive Director of CAPECS-Ghana, said strengthening livelihoods remained central to preventing violent extremism because improved economic opportunities could reduce people’s vulnerability to extremist recruitment.
He said the beneficiaries would be provided with high-yielding and high-value vegetable varieties to improve their incomes and enable them to support their families.
Mama Fatima, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed appreciation to the benefactors for the intervention and pledged that the beneficiaries would protect and properly use the facilities to improve their livelihoods.
“We pledge not to misuse such opportunities. We are proud of your support, we are grateful for the kindness, and we will never forget the difference you have made in our lives,” she said
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah
Photo caption: The items presentation
Reporter: Philip Tengzu, GNA
Reporter’s email address: [email protected]