The Meta Foundation, as part of a livelihood empowerment program targeting border communities, has distributed sewing machines and hair dryers to 30 dressmakers and 15 hairdressers in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region.
This forms part of the implementation of the project “Enhancing Social Cohesion through Empowerment of Women and Youth,” which has support from UNDP through the Peace Building Fund.
It is being implemented in three Districts in the region including Bongo, Bawku West, and Garu Districts. In the Bongo District, the project is being implemented in three border communities: Soe, Feo, and Namoo.
The objective of the one-year project is to empower vulnerable groups in border communities that are more prone to the activities of extremist groups operating in the Sahel Region.
This Growing Livelihood Opportunities for peace-building intervention, beyond distributing the equipment, also saw the training of the beneficiaries on financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
Prior to the distribution of the equipment to hairdressers and dressmakers, 30 individuals into basket weaving received support in the form of material to ply their trade. This brings the total number of beneficiaries in Bongo to 75.
Speaking Tuesday, February 18, 2025, during the distribution of the equipment to the beneficiaries in Bongo, the Head of Programs and Partnership for Meta Foundation, David Amozebga, noted that his outfit with the support of UNDP, hoped to invest in the future of the beneficiaries and ensure social cohesion.
He said the success of the initiative hinges on the collective efforts of stakeholders as he urged the beneficiaries to put them to judicious use.
“Today is not just about distributing equipment. It is about investing in the future of our beneficiaries. Through the Growing Livelihood Opportunities for Peace Building Project, we have not only identified individuals in need but have also provided them with training in business management, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. These skills will enable them to effectively use these resources, generate income, and contribute to their families and communities.”
“However, the success of this initiative depends on the collective effort of all stakeholders. We call on our esteemed chiefs, assembly officers, UNDP representatives, and assembly members to continue offering mentorship and support to our beneficiaries. The media also has a crucial role in documenting and sharing their success stories to inspire others and highlight the impact of this intervention.” He stated.
Dr. Mathias Awonnatey Ateng, Peace and Development Officer, UN Ghana, explained that the unfortunate disturbances in the Sahel occasioned the implementation of the project with a focus on addressing the drivers of violent extremism including unemployment.
He said the UNDP is delighted to supervise the implementation of the project that will enhance the living conditions of some individuals largely, the youth.
“We are all aware of the threats of violent extremism and luckily for us, we have not been attacked but the effects are there. So, as part of this project, our focus is on, how we address the drivers of violent extremism in our communities. And so, we selected our communities deliberately to make change because when they are coming, they are targeting the border communities first.” He said.
Some beneficiaries while expressing their gratitude to the META Foundation and UNDP said the presentation of the equipment would enhance their living conditions.
