Plan International Ghana has organized a phase-out program as the organization looks to expand its operations to other parts of the country. The program, which took place in Gwollu in the Sissala West District, marked the culmination of Plan International Ghana’s interventions in education, health, agriculture, nutrition, livelihood, sponsorship, and other development projects that have positively impacted the lives of the residents since 2002.
Mr. Assum Kwarteng, the Programmes Manager of Plan International Ghana, expressed pride in the Radford project, a significant initiative that has been handed over to the community and continues to thrive. The Radford Radio project transmits agriculture, health, and nutrition information to the population, benefiting the community even after Plan International Ghana’s departure.
As part of their farewell, Plan International Ghana made various donations and recognitions. They distributed 1,420 dual desks to 18 schools in both the Sissala East and Sissala West Districts. Cash donations and certificates with citations were given to volunteers who demonstrated commitment to the organization’s cause by mobilizing children for sponsorship. Additionally, 34 boreholes were dug and commissioned for 34 communities, two tricycle ambulances were provided for Sentie and Kupulima, and a grinding mill was supplied. Some communities opted for a health shed, which Plan International Ghana provided after consulting with the communities.
Mr. Kwarteng assured the people of the area that there would be further grant opportunities for infrastructure development in the future. He emphasized that these interventions are part of Plan International Ghana’s collaborative approach to community development and its partnership with the government in bringing progress to hard-to-reach areas. He expressed confidence in the improved capacity and sense of partnership among the communities after 22 years of intervention.
Officials from the Tamale office of Plan International Ghana commended the volunteers for their valuable contributions to the organization’s work and the realization of their community’s rights since 2002. The volunteers were acknowledged for their dedication and resilience in the face of community pressures and challenges.
Local government representatives, including the Sissala East Municipal Chief Executive and the Sissala West District Chief Executive, expressed gratitude to Plan International Ghana for their support and called for their return to address ongoing development challenges in the area. They emphasized the importance of the parting gifts, particularly the furniture, and urged the community to take good care of them. They also appealed to Plan International Ghana to advocate for farm access roads in the Sissala area.
A volunteer expressed appreciation for the worthwhile support provided by Plan International Ghana and expressed hope that other parts of the country would receive similar assistance in the future.
Over the course of 22 years, Plan International Ghana has made significant contributions to the lives of the people through the provision of dams, scholarships for school children, infrastructure, and overall improvements in well-being. The estimated cost of the parting gift was approximately GHȻ3,639,000.
