VISTA Ghana Embarks on Massive Community Development Projects to Alleviate Island Poverty
VISTA Ghana, a non-profit charitable organization, recently organized its inaugural summit for the residents of Ada, focusing on the island communities of Aflive, Alorwusodekopey, Alorkpem, and Azizakpey all in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.
The summit aimed to equip participants with modern techniques for processing dry coconuts into what they term "virgin" oil. Led by organizers Mr. Eric Kabutey and Kezia, the event emphasized training, idea-sharing, and addressing the pressing needs of local residents, particularly following the Akosombo Dam water spillage two years ago.
The summit's initiatives include coconut fiber processing and oil extraction from dry coconuts using modern technology. Additionally, they plan to convert the invasive water hyacinth weeds overtaking the lower Volta basin into charcoal for domestic use. This initiative targets communities such as Alorwusodekopey, Tuanikopey, Agbokakopey, Aflive, Ajim, Amezukpey, Ajake, Kpetsupanya, Anazome, Kewuse, Azizakpey, Baithlenya, Amekutsekopey and others.
Aflive was chosen as the project center due to its abundant coconut plantations. The VISTA organization hopes these projects will significantly reduce poverty in the island communities.
Similar initiatives are also being implemented in three main regions of Ghana: Greater Accra, Volta, and Eastern regions.
In their closing remarks, former Assemblyman for the Aflive/Alorkpem/Azizakpey electoral area Hon. Daniel Adzakpah and the Chief of Aflive, Nene Amezuwey, commended VISTA for selecting their communities for these groundbreaking projects. They expressed optimism that successful execution could improve living standards and reduce poverty.
They urged residents to take full advantage of these initiatives to enhance the quality of life for those living on Pediatorkorpey Island.
VISTA’s team comprises individuals from various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and other European and African nations, united in their mission to combat extreme poverty in the selected regions.
Participants, including Tetteh Negbegbleh, Tayo, and Dennis A. Narterh, called on the Member of Parliament for Ada East, Hon. Doeyo Cudjoe Ghanzah, and President John Dramani Mahama to collaborate with VISTA to address the water hyacinth issue. This problem has made fishing difficult and limited access to potable water for the island communities.