Manya Krobo ‘NGOs meet and greet’ forum held at Kpong

Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, Samuel Nuertey Ayertey has acknowledged the role played by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as development partners.

The deputy minister who said governments were now requiring the help of NGOs for development attributed the phenomenon to the increased visibility of such organizations at the local level.

Mr. Ayertey was speaking as Special Guest of Honour at a collaborative meeting dubbed ‘NGOs Meet and Greet’ to begin exploring ways together to build collaboration and coordination, strengthen NGO capacity, improve joint planning and build shared advocacy amongst NGOs in Manya Krobo State.

About forty (40) Non-Governmental Organizations in the Manya Krobo traditional area partook in the event.

“Governments all over the world require the assistance of NGOs in its quest for sustainable development,” said Mr. Ayertey. “In recent times, NGOs have increased their visibility at the local level and have become key agents in development and complimenting government’s efforts.”

He outlined a number of interventions currently being undertaken by the Akuffo Addo government in the area of youth development including the Nation Builders’ Corps, the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program, the Planting for Food and Jobs Program and the free SHS program, which he added remained the largest social intervention policy in Ghana since independence.

Aside these, the deputy eastern regional minister identified other interventions being made at the regional level including the training of women in the making of batik tie and dye, making of pastries and liquid soap, as well as retooling and supporting artisans to meet today’s standards of entrepreneurship.

The initiatives being rolled out through the various youth agencies such as the National Youth Authority and the Youth Employment Authority have rolled up initiatives in empowering the youth with knowledge and skills to play a role in national development.

The meeting organized by Canada-based international NGO, Aya Afrika Foundation and held at the Ensign College of Public Health brought together various stakeholders to discuss matters bordering on socio-economic developments in Manya Krobo as well as examine the priorities of the NGOs since their respective formations so far over the past years and what needs to be done over the next years to ensure that they achieve their common objectives.

Founder and Chairman of Aya Afrika Foundation, Nene Kwesi Detse I who underscored the importance of meeting the NGOs in Manya Krobo to deliberate on their aims and objectives was hopeful that the initiative would strengthen the NGOs to adequately deliver.

Nene Detse I who is Manoyam Matse (Development Chief) of the Manya Klo State was inspired to organize the forum following the successful implementation of various development objectives by the Aya Afrika Foundation with the focus on young people in areas such as health, education, economic development, capacity building and many more.

The traditional leader said he deemed it appropriate to call on other NGOs to come together to share ideas and information about their respective goals and objectives including the best approach to strengthen their partnership, focus on development issues and address public policy issues affecting the youths and voice out policies aimed at assisting them.

Touting some of the projects and acts of philanthropy undertaken by Aya Afrika Foundation over it 25 year existence in Kroboland, Nene Detse I said the foundation donated laptops and computers to head teachers and Senior High Schools In Manya Krobo respectively, constructed many boreholes in several communities, trained 100 young people in farming, organized periodic health screening activities for the youths among other interventions.

He advised the NGOs not to be solely dependent on foreign aid especially as there abounded “brilliant young people with amazing talents, resources and potentials in Kroboland and Ghana that could be nurtured for profound results.

Chairperson of the occasion and director of social welfare in the district, madam Naa ofosu Akuyie called for a sustained collaboration between government and the NGOs to augment the former’s efforts at development.

The chairperson who called on all NGOs in Manya Krobo to identify and liaise with her office said this would ensure that they work hand in hand for the realization of a common purpose.

She also called on the organizations to ensure the formation of a coalition to avoid replication of their activities.

Outlining her vision for Krobo girls and women, co-chairperson of the occasion and 'Manoyam Manye' (Development Queen) for Manya Krobo, Manye Angmorkuor Yoko I expressed her vision to see women and girls being abreast with what happens elsewhere as well as their empowerment in areas such as health, education and economic needs/financial empowerment, family life, etc.

Per her expectations, the Development Queen hoped Krobo women and girls would achieve success in education in sexual education, empowered for success and urged them to “believe in what they can do.”

Aya Afrika also provides student sponsorship support to many needy students and has coordinated the donation of 75 bicycles to students across Manya Krobo.