By Praise Nutakor, UNDP-Ghana
The field is where our downstream development interventions happen. Last week was phenomenal. I accompanied my boss: the UNDP Resident Representative in Ghana, Dr Angela Lusigi on a field trip to monitor some of our projects. We visited 3 regions – Ashanti, Bono and Savannah regions, where we have some of our initiatives that are transforming lives. It was clear that we must be deliberate and make conscious efforts to ensure no one is left behind in the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (#SDGs). It was heartwarming to see real impacts on the ground with the following key initiatives:
1. Ayorya Women Groundnut Processors in Bono Region- Thanks to support from the Chiefs with land and UNDP with a factory, over 300 women are now adding value to groundnut they produce.
2. Youth in Aquaponic Farming- Over 1200 young people are taking charge and into fish farming & vegetable farming.
3. Traditional Healers Association –Impressive works being done by over 100 traditional healers who are being supported with certification to produce herbal medicines in safer ways. They are also taking the charge to restore the environment by planting medicinal trees.
4. Solar Irrigation Dry Season Farming- So touching to see how dedicated about 250 people living with disabilities are, in growing various vegetables for food and income.
5. Agroforestry- Empowered communities in the Bole Bamboi District are restoring 170ha degraded forest along the Black Volta landscape where we get power from. They also grow food crops.
6. One Tree Planted Agenda- It is often said that, when the last tree dies, the last man also dies. The launch of this $1million agroforestry programme is targeting to plant 5million trees by 2024. The enthusiasm of the people of the Maluwe community at the launch in the Bole Bamboi District was a great joy #ForPeopleforPlanet! I always say leadership is everything, and it was not surprising when the Chiefs, Queens and People installed our Resident Representative, Dr Angela Lusigi, as a Development Queen. Thanks for the continued great leadership Madam Angela!
7. Renewable Energy and Afforestation: Our partners at the Bui Power Authority are doing amazing work to support Ghana achieve her renewable energy targets. It was inspiring to see the huge investment in solar energy including floating solar and how hydro power is generated. Not only was the Authority into power generation but it is also improving livelihoods through afforestation, sugar cane, cashew nut and other livelihood enhancement programs,
8. Time with Nature- Refreshing spending time with some of the 21 hippos in the Bui National Park of the Black Volta.
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