Regional News of Monday, 27 June 2005

Source: GNA

NGO donates equipment to artisans

Wa, June 27, GNA - Centre for the Development of People (CEDEP) a non-governmental organisation has presented equipment valued at 62 million cedis to 62 artisans at Wa in the Upper West Region. The equipment, which were mostly sewing machines, carpentry and masonry tools donated by Tools for Self-reliance a United Kingdom (UK) based non-governmental organisation.

Presenting the items to the artisans, Mrs Helen Koranteng, Acting Programme Manager of CEDEP said the donation formed part of their social responsibility and their focus towards poverty reduction. She warned beneficiaries against selling the equipment presented to them, but to put them to good use to benefit them and their communities.

Mrs Koranteng also urged them to keep in constant touch with her outfit to ease their regular monitoring team to assess the performance of each beneficiary.

The Acting Manager said since 1998, the NGO had refurbished and sent eight consignment of tools for further distribution to artisans who were without tools in the region. She advised them to form groups and associations in order to attract financial support from banks and other financial institutions in the country. Mr. Laurence, Azam, Regional Director of Department of Social Welfare advised beneficiaries to make maximum use of the equipment to encourage the donors to help others.