Ending hunger and povery in Ghana: The story of Matsekope

The Country Director of “The Hunger Project Ghana” (THP_Ghana), Mr. Samuel Erasmus Afrane has applauded members of the Matsekope Epicenter for their relentless effort in their quest to end poverty and hunger in the Ada West District.

Speaking at the 1st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Matsekope Credit Union on Thursday, June 29, 2017, Mr. Afrane indicated his excitement about the center’s dedication and telling commitment demonstrated over the years to the Hunger Project program in the area.

The Hunger Project Ghana in 2001 mobilized about 12 communities in the Ada West District with the objective of helping to end hunger and poverty through sustainable grassroots, women-centered strategies by facilitating the coming together of rural communities to pursue development objective as a family.

The Epicenter as an infrastructure consists of a clinic, Community Bank (Cooperative Credit Union), Conference Center, Library/KG and a Nurses’ Quarters to house the nurses and a midwife.

Periodic gatherings were also organized by THP to help improve the knowledge and skills of the people on sanitation, education, health, good agriculture practices and nutrition.

In 2006, the Microfinance Program at Matsekope began with a seed capital of $25,000 which was equivalent to GHS 25,000 at the time, from The Hunger Project Ghana, to assist provide loans to the members of this Epicenter.

Despite the considerable difficulties the credit union went through over the years, it was disclosed during the 1st Annual General Meeting (AGM) that their operating capital over the last 11 years has grown to GHS 329,000.

On her part, the Chairperson of the Matsekope Credit Union, Madam Lawrencia, expressed her profound appreciation to THP Ghana on behalf of the members.

She gladly told the Country Director that the people of Matsekope were ready to assume a self reliant status, adding that they have learnt enough from THP Ghana to be able to be on their own from the 26th of October 2017.