Ellembelle: The Centre for Sustainable Rural Agriculture and Development (CSRAD) has taken a significant step toward empowering women in the Amanzule Wetlands catchment communities by providing starter packs to 36 women. These packs are designed to help the women embark on careers in baking, beading, soap making, and decoration, with the aim of fostering economic independence.
According to Ghana News Agency, the beneficiaries received essential items such as ovens, gas cylinders, decorative items, and materials for beading and soap making, with the total value of the supplies exceeding GHS 60,000. These efforts are part of the 'Greening and integrating youth and women to strengthen conservation of Amanzule Wetlands for generational benefits' project, funded by the New England Biolabs Foundation.
The initiative is being executed across four Amanzule catchment communities, namely Azulenloanu, Ampain, New Bakanta, and Old Bakanta. It follows prior training sessions in 2024, where women who relied on wetland resources for their livelihoods, particularly mangrove trees for fuelwood, were trained in alternative livelihoods to promote sustainability.
Mr. Emmanuel Ackon, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, stated that about 100 women from these communities have been trained in various trades, with 36 receiving starter packs to kickstart their business ventures. He emphasized ongoing educational efforts to raise awareness about preserving the Amanzule Wetlands, which hosts vital wildlife species of national and global significance.
Mr. Joseph Agyekum, District Chief Executive for Ellembelle District, commended CSRAD's efforts to address unemployment and encouraged beneficiaries to emulate successful entrepreneurs like Kwame Despite. Mr. Samuel Nyamekye from the Jomoro District Forestry Commission highlighted the importance of managing natural resources responsibly.
Nana Ackah Nwozah III, Chief of Bakanta, expressed gratitude to CSRAD for their support and advised beneficiaries on sound financial practices. He stressed the importance of conserving mangroves and urged CSRAD to monitor the project's impact.
Earlier engagements included training by Mr. Edwin Arthur from the Ellembelle Business Advisory Centre, focusing on entrepreneurship, branding, fiscal management, and bookkeeping. Beneficiaries like Madam Diana Cobbinah and Madam Christiana Blay shared their optimism about the new opportunities and skills enabling them to reduce reliance on the wetlands for income.
