More than 500 entrepreneurs in the Northern Region have received support to expand their businesses, create jobs and improve their income levels.
The beneficiaries drawn from Jana, Foushegu, Banvim and Gurugu communities in the Sagnarigu Municipality received 842 goats, 77 weaving machines and 23 sewing machines.
The support was provided by Mentors International Ghana in partnership with Boressa Investment Limited under the Giving Machines Project, with funding support from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The 10-month project is aimed at supporting local enterprises with equipment and mentorship to help them to create sustainable employment opportunities for the teeming youth.
Presentation
Presenting the items at separate occasions, the Country Director of Mentors International Ghana, Emmanuella Gyamfi, said the project was designed to equip entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge required to build sustainable businesses.
She explained that beyond the distribution of livestock and equipment, the beneficiaries would receive continuous mentorship in livestock management, financial literacy and entrepreneurship throughout the 10-month implementation period.
"The project goes beyond providing equipment and livestock.
The mentorship component is central to ensuring that beneficiaries develop the skills and confidence needed to grow successful and sustainable businesses," she said.
Mrs Gyamfi said pairing beneficiaries with experienced mentors would promote self-reliance, strengthen local enterprises and improve the socio-economic well-being of beneficiary households.
Impact
Mrs Gyamfi said the intervention would provide beneficiaries with sustainable sources of income while helping them improve the welfare of their families.
She explained that the goats would multiply over time, enabling beneficiaries to expand their livestock enterprises, support their children's education and improve household incomes.
Veterinary support
For his part, the Coordinator of Boressa Investment Limited, Iddrisu Muniru Mustapha, said veterinary officers had been assigned to the beneficiary communities to provide technical support and ensure the proper care and management of the animals.
He urged the beneficiaries to take proper care of the livestock and equipment so as to maximise the benefits of the intervention.
Commendation
The beneficiaries commended Mentors International Ghana, Boressa Investment Limited and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the support and said it would go a long way to improve their livelihoods.
They pledged to take good care of the livestock and equipment while applying the knowledge and guidance acquired through the mentorship programme to expand their businesses, improve their livelihoods and contribute to the development of their communities.
