Ekumpoano (C/R), Aug. 4, GNA - Two development projects initiated by World Vision Ghana (WVG) in the Mfantseman area have been inaugurated at Ekumpoano and Asokwa in renewed efforts to improve social infrastructure for the communities. The projects included a CHPS facility built and furnished at the cost of GHc35,000 at Ekumpoano to provide health care to the community and its environs. The other is a nursery at Asokwa constructed at a cost of GHc26,000.

Both communities provided land and communal labour valued at GHc8,000 and GHc4,500 respectively for the two projects. Mr. Sam Asare, National Director, WVG, in a speech read for him, said the organisation was adopting a new concept known as "learning through evaluation with accountability and planning" to sustain its successes. He said since its inception in the Mfantseman area in 2000, the WVG provided a furnished primary school block at Asokwa, constructed a junior high school block at Edumafa and established a nursery at Ekumpoano. The organisation also provided teachers' quarters at Arkra and Narkwa; a school library at Edumafa, and poly tanks for storage of water in five communities.

WVG also facilitated the periodic deworming of children, distribution of insecticides and treated bed nets, provided health and nutrition care for children under five years, as well as supported HIV/AIDS education and care for people living with the disease. Mr. Robert Quainoo-Arthur, Mfantseman Municipal Chief Executive, commended the WVG for being an active player in the development of the municipality. Mrs. Gifty Out-Appiah, Mfantseman Manager of the programme, said seasonal migration of fisher folks was a major challenge facing the programme because they took along children for whom the interventions were being made, thus depriving them of education. She said alternative livelihood programmes would be pursued to address the challenge.