UWR: UNDP-Ghana hands over livelihood support tools to women and Youth

In an effort towards promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Northern Ghana, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has handed over livelihood support tools to women and youth in Olli and Kpila communities all in the Wa West District of the Upper West Region.

This initiative aims to empower them to become agents of positive change and enhance their socio-economic resilience.

The project, funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund, seeks to address the root causes of localized conflicts, violent extremism, and social exclusion in Northern Ghana.

Speaking at a short ceremony to handover the tools to the beneficiaries on Friday, February 28, 2025, the head of Inclusive Growth and Accountable Governance at UNDP-Ghana, Dr Edward Ampratwum underscored the need for the support.

According to him, research conducted by UNDP highlights the urgent need to address these issues, which are compounded by poverty, unemployment, and limited participation of women and youth in governance and peacebuilding.

Through this intervention, 160 women and youth have been selected as beneficiaries, receiving vocational tools and equipment to enhance their skills and support income-generating activities in the region.

These donated items include butterfly sewing machines and tailoring supplies, hairdressing and beauty equipment, weaving materials, and livestock for breeding.

Dr Ampratwum disclosed that over 850 women and youth across Upper West, Upper East, and North East Regions are set to benefit from the intervention by way of promoting self-sufficiency, economic empowerment, and contributing to the overall well-being and resilience of their communities.

“At UNDP, we firmly believe that sustainable development is only possible when individuals and communities have access to the resources, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive. The livelihood support equipment being handed over today is not just a set of tools, it represents a pathway to economic independence, dignity, and long-term prosperity”, he stated.

Executive Director of CAPECS-Ghana, Abu D. Alhassan reiterated the rationale behind the initiative.

“There is always a strong nexus between one’s livelihood status and your vulnerability to conflict. When your hands are busy, and you are earning an income, when you get up, you are likely going to focus on your income earning activities. But if you are ideal, you have a high risk of being lured into issues of conflict”, he explained.

He said the initiative represents a pathway to economic independence, dignity, and long-term prosperity, ultimately contributing to poverty reduction, social stability, and inclusive growth.

“As Capacity Enhancement and Community Support (CAPECS-Ghana) as an NGO, we thought that it is important to strengthen livelihoods,” he said.

Mr Clifford Tampuori, the Head of Regional Peace Council called on residents to always use the appropriate ways of resolving misunderstandings anytime they arise than taking the laws into their own hands.

Read also:

A/R: Roads Minister orders closure of deplorable Kotokuom bridge

The post UWR: UNDP-Ghana hands over livelihood support tools to women and Youth first appeared on 3News.

Read Full Story