Two British NGOs undertake projects in Bawku

West Kobore (U/E), Sept. 7, GNA - Action Aid Ghana and Raleigh International both British Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have jointly constructed a grain store at Kobore and a three classroomed Shepherd School block at Salpiiga, both in the Bawku West District of the Upper East Region.

Action Aid provided over 50 million cedis worth of materials while youth volunteers of Raleigh International took three months to complete the projects through direct labour.

Addressing the two communities at a commissioning ceremony at Kobore, the Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, Professor Patrick Addy, said the presence of Raleigh International in the country was not only to complement government's efforts but also to help encourage young people to spend time working in rural areas.

He said the benefits derived from Raleigh's expeditions in the two communities should inspire the youth of the area to use their skills to work to effect positive changes.

Prof Addy reiterated that the vision of the Ministry of Youth and Sports was to empower the youth so that they could realise their full potential in accordance with Ghana's Vision 2020.

All segments of society, private businesses and non-governmental organisations should intensify their efforts towards youth empowerment. The Country Director for Action Aid Ghana, Mrs Frema Osei-Opare, said the organisation attaches great importance to the partnership with Raleigh International in a bid to eradicate poverty in rural communities.

She said it would not hesitate coming together with organisations, which share common visions in the fight against poverty by improving the capacities of the communities to deal with their won developmental issues. Mrs Osei-Opare said the construction of both the grains store and the shepherd school reflect the current strategic direction of Action Aid Ghana and expressed appreciation to Raleigh International for the excellent work done.

The project manager of Raleigh International, Mss Rebecca Elliot, said her organisation was made up of a group of young boys and girls aged between 15 and 20 years, who were out to explore and exhibit their skills working in very remote communities. In Ghana, their projects are in the areas of expedition, construction, tourism and forestry, she added.