JAK Foundation, APSD sign agreement

The John A. Kufuor Foundation, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Africa Plantations for Sustainable Development (APSD) Ghana Limited, for a partnership to improve livelihoods in rural communities in the company’s catchment area.

The Norwegian power generation business entity, APSD, has embarked on a massive plantation of eucalyptus in the West Sene and East Sene Districts of the Brong-Ahafo Region for the company’s biomass energy project.

Under the partnership agreement, the Foundation would initiate social enhancement projects including the creation of a knowledge centre, refurbishing existing basic educational institutions and health facilities, and providing potable water.

A statement issued by Mr Frank Agyekum, Spokesperson /Special Aide Office of President J.A Kufuor, said the projects are scheduled to commence in deprived communities within the APSD catchment area during the last quarter of the year.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Chairman of the Foundation, expressed the importance of the private sector in supporting the efforts of government to improve the well-being of citizens.

“No one government can do it alone, the support of all of us is always necessary,” he said, and asked the private sector to be alert to their social responsibility.

Former President Kufuor praised APSD for its human-centred approach to business and urged other entities to emulate the good example of the renewable energy company.

Mr Erling Sven Lorentzen, Chairman of APSD, praised Former President Kufuor for his foresight in setting up the Foundation to continue the vision he had as head of state.

He expressed the delight of his company for the partnership through which the people of the beneficiary districts would see the positive impact of his company’s presence in their midst.

Mr Lorentzen expressed the hope that the impact of his company’s work would soon reflect in improved living conditions of the people, adding that Ghana is blessed with natural gifts and has the potential to become a great nation.

The MoU was signed on behalf of the Foundation by its chief executive officer Prof Baffour Agyeman-Duah and his counterpart at APSD, Mr Finn Sven Jacobsen.

President Kufuor and Mr. Lorentzen signed the document as witnesses.