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‘Replicate SEND West Africa’s model in gov’t, private institutions’
Dr Ofei-Aboagye (seated third right) in a group photograph with other dignitaries
The Social Enterprise Development Foundation of West Africa, SEND West Africa’s model and approach to transforming lives in communities across the continent must be replicated in government institutions, a seasoned policy analyst Dr Esther Ofei-Aboagye has said.
SEND West Africa, is a civil society organisation currently in three countries; Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Delivering a lecture as part of activities to mark Send West Africa’s 25th anniversary celebrations in Accra last Wednesday, she said the civil society organisation had assisted in supporting the poor and needy in society to live a decent life which must be a case study to other organisations and the government.
“Over the past two decades, SEND West Africa has contributed to changing lives and supporting the needy and vulnerable in the continent,” she said.
“It has also committed to alleviating poverty on the continent with several projects ranging from health, agriculture and businesses,” she stated.
She said their success story over the years, had been inspiring organisations that were struggling to make impacts and must study SEND’s approach.
The lecture was under the theme; ‘25 Years of Championing Transformative Advocacy and Livelihood Security for the Poor and Vulnerable.’
She commended SEND West Africa for the remarkable role they had played in development practices, promoting livelihood security and human rights.
“There is still a lot of work to be done to eradicate poverty completely and also promote livelihood security and advocacy especially as far as the poor and vulnerable were concerned,” she stated.
“We will continue to champion the course to ensure the voices of the vulnerable is heard through SEND. There is the need to champion the rights of the poor and vulnerable,” she stressed.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for SEND West Africa, Mr Siapha Kamara reiterated that, the outfit had demonstrated leadership which was key to making a difference in the lives of the poor in society.
According to him, good leadership was essential to the development of a country and the world at large.
In view of that, he said they were committed to leading the charge as far as the development of the continent was concerned.
He said they were looking forward to expanding to other parts of the continent and the world at large to make their impact felt across the globe.
Giving a background on SEND West Africa’s journey, the Board Chair, Ms Janet Adama Mohammed said they were established in August 1998 as a livelihood and food security promoting non-governmental organisation (NGO) focusing on the then North-Eastern parts of Ghana.
However, she said they later transformed into a multi-dimensional response organisation that worked around the human security, development, and peacebuilding in Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.
The vision she said was to ensure that the rights and well-being of Africans were guaranteed while promoting good governance and equality of men and women in West Africa and the area of education, agriculture, health and peacebuilding.
The event also saw an award presented to the oldest staff of SEND West Africa, Mr Mark Kofi Bow who had been working for the past 20 years.
By Michael D. Abayateye
President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to remain united, grateful and prayerful despite the recent floods that claimed lives and destroyed property in parts of Accra.
Speaking at the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving held at the forecourt of the State House in Accra, the President noted that the nation had gathered not because all its challenges had been solved, but to reflect, give thanks to God and renew its commitment to the country’s development.
He explained that throughout Ghana’s history, the nation had consistently turned to God during both difficult and successful times, describing faith as one of the country’s strongest pillars.
“We gather not as members of different political parties, ethnic groups or religions, but as one people under God,” President Mahama stated.
He encouraged Ghanaians to approach the occasion with grateful hearts, stressing that every blessing the country enjoys comes from God.
Reflecting on the recent floods that devastated parts of Accra, President Mahama acknowledged the pain of families who lost loved ones and property during the disaster.
Despite the tragedy, he urged citizens to draw strength from Scripture, quoting First Epistle to the Thessalonians Chapter 5, Verse 18, which encourages believers to give thanks in all circumstances.
The National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving brought together religious leaders, members of Parliament, the Judiciary, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, security service chiefs, traditional leaders and other dignitaries to pray for the nation and reflect on its progress and challenges.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Renowned Ghanaian businessman and an indigene of the Upper East Region, Awentami Paul Afoko, has called for the construction of an international airport in the Upper East Region, arguing that it is critical to unlocking the region’s agricultural and export potential.
Addressing stakeholders at the Regional Development Framework validation forum in Bolgatanga, Mr. Afoko said the Upper East Region possesses enormous economic opportunities that can be harnessed through strategic investment in agriculture, infrastructure,, and trade.
“As an entrepreneur, I have learnt that governments do not create businesses; entrepreneurs do. Government’s responsibility is to create the environment within which businesses can thrive,” he said.
He highlighted irrigation projects and commercial farming as key drivers of economic transformation, urging greater investment in year-round production of vegetables, fruits, and flowers for international markets.
“The challenge is not finding buyers. The challenge is producing at sufficient scale throughout the year,” he stated.
Mr. Afoko also called for investment in warehouses, cold-chain facilities, packaging centres and standardized production systems to improve the competitiveness of local products, including shea butter, basket weaving, and textiles.
“We must organise ourselves to produce standardised products and invest in warehouses, cold chains, and packaging so that we become year-round suppliers,” he said.
He stressed that an international airport would significantly boost exports from the region.
“We need an airport urgently so that flowers from the Upper East can reach Europe before Kenyan flowers do. Burkina Faso produces strawberries, and we can do the same,” he remarked.
According to Mr. Afoko, the region’s strategic location also presents opportunities to expand cross-border trade with neighbouring countries through stronger economic diplomacy.
“There is the need for an international airport in the region to enable us to seize export opportunities. Our strategic location also presents enormous opportunities to strengthen border trade,” he added.
He called on the government, diplomats, and development partners to work together to position the Upper East Region as a major agricultural and export hub in West Africa.
By: Jacob Aggrey
