Accra, Oct. 28, GNA- New York based African American author, Ms. Joann Denise Bellamy has dedicated her first published book, "Saving Grace - When Fate Steps In" to development projects in Mafi Sasekpe in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region.

As a sign of her commitment to the project, Ms. Bellamy has already sent a two thousand dollar cheque to Ghana for the project to commence. She said, "I want to see the people of Mafi- Sasekpe get good drinking water, health facilities and the development of women and children".

On the dedication page of the book, Joann Bellamy writes, "I dedicate this book to the village of Mafi Sasekpe. In 2002 whilst in Ghana, I visited this village. You taught me of courage and strength that I never knew I had.

"Friends of Mafi Sasekpe you are a people of joy and wonder as you struggle to make each day count. Visiting you was a humbling experience. I walked through your village with the assurance that I now have a home in Africa and I will never forget the sand beneath my feet".

Ms Bellamy has also instituted a short story writing competition among schoolgirls in Sasekpe to help groom female future authors, improve the learning and writing of English and to challenge young women in the village to aspire to greater heights.

Prizes at stake range from 200 to 400 dollars in addition to school supplies.

Ms Bellamy expressed the hope that the book "would touch the hearts of many who read it or hear of it to make bigger commitments to the village of Sasekpe."

Recounting how she came to be associated with the village of Sasekpe, Ms Bellemay said she was touched by the courage and strength of the people amidst difficulties when the then Assembly member of the Sasekpe Electoral area, Mr. Vincent Azumah invited her to the area in 2002.

She said "I fell in love with the village since then". According to Mr. Azumah, the Sasekpe electoral area lacks acceptable health facilities, potable water, good roads and qualified teachers.

"We are however determined as a people to employ the use of available local, government and other resources from benevolent people to change our situation and make Sasekpe a model village in the Volta Region and we are happy Joann Bellamy and her book "Saving Grace" will be one of the main players of our success story"

Mr Azumah appealed to government to expedite action on the proposed Mafi Sasekpe area health Centre project and the construction of the road linking the Mafi Kumasi market to the Akatsi market through Sasekpe. The book "Saving Grace.." tells the story of a young and prosperous fashion designer who has the world at her command and so decides to rebel against God when she lost two of her loved ones. Grace set out on a journey of destruction. Life takes her in unimaginable directions full of secrets, guilt and shame. Grace's life takes a different turn for the better when fate stepped in.