Wa, May 21, GNA - Tools For Self Reliance (TFSR), a non-governmental organisation in the United Kingdom has, through the Centre for the Development of People (CEDEP), presented sewing machines worth 66,000 Ghana cedis to four institutions and individuals in the Upper West Region. The institutions are Saint Monica's Vocational Institute at Han in the Jirapa District, Oscar Moring Vocational institute at Ko in the Lawra District, Community Development Vocational Institute and the Disabled Resource Centre both in the Wa Municipality and some individuals. About 735 individuals and institutions in the region have so far benefited from the tools since the TFSR and the CEDEP collaboration began in the region in 1996.

Mr. Augustine Tugbog Kogh, Programme Officer at the Northern Programme office of CEDEP, said this when she presented the machines at Wa on Thursday.

He appealed to the Municipal and District assemblies to make it possible for artisans to access credit schemes and other financial opportunities that existed at the Assemblies to enable them stay in business.

Mr. Duogu Yakubu, Wa Municipal Chief Executive who took delivery of the tools on behalf of the beneficiaries, commended CEDEP for impacting positively on the lives of the people.

"CEDEP is one of the outstanding non-governmental organizations that has been consistent and dedicated to the noble cause of fighting poverty in rural communities since its inception in 1983", he said. Mr. Yakubu said support given to the artisans and apprentices through CEDEP would not only build their strength but would also fill the critical capacity gap that had been the bane of their development over the years.