Regional News of Thursday, 28 May 2009

Source: GNA

Inmates of Gambaga witches Camp make soap

Gambaga (N/R), May 28, GNA - A young American Peace Corps, Miss Carolyn Abdenour has trained inmates of the Gambaga Witches' Camp [GWC] in soap making and modern techniques in charcoal production. Miss Abdenour stationed at Nalerigu in the East Mamprusi District of the Northern Region said the whole training programme cost GH¢ 2,268.40.

She said she collaborated with the Rural Enterprises Project in the district to make the training possible. Miss Abdenour whose specialty is in small enterprises development, disclosed that having acquainted herself with the conditions of living of the inmates, she liaised with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and was able to come up with the money.

She said she was touched by the plight of the inmates of the GWC who were predominantly women in need and so decided to organise the training.

A resource person from the Public Health Department of the Baptist Medical Centre at Nalerigu taught the inmates some hygienic and health practices.

Mr. Simon Ngota, the Project Supervisor of the witches' camp, said the Presbyterian Church established the camp in 1994 to cater for women branded in their communities as witches and has since being providing for their clothing, food and shelter.

Mr. Ngota welcomed the training programme saying it will enable inmates earns some income to buy their petty needs and also care for their children, since they have been rejected by their families. He said the Presby project had insured all the inmates under the health insurance scheme. He expressed the hope that other philanthropists would support the church in its efforts to provide meaningful living conditions for the inmates.