Australian High Commission donates to Beat Beekeeping women’s groups

By Abebe Dawuni

Zagbang 21 November, GNA -The Australian high commission in Ghana has transferred beekeeping equipment worth GHS 147,720.00 to six women groups of Zagbang in Yendi municipality in the northern region.

A group of 180 six village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) from Zagbang, Adibo, Zang, Gbingbaliga, Kpachiya and Zugu were given beekeeping equipment including 120 beehives with metal stands, 32 solar aspirators, 24 harvesting equipment, 24 smokers and hand gloves.

Madam Candice Hooper, Second Secretary of the High Commission, who delivered the equipment to the women’s groups, stated that last year the Australian High Commission received a funding application from Children Believe in order to create a sustainable livelihood for women through beekeeping training.

He said that they were pleased to support the project due to the High Commission’s commitment to promoting gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.

She said gender equality was a core Australian value that influenced much of their work at the high commission.

According to him, through the project, six village savings and loan association group leaders received training on beekeeping equipment, planted 1800 trees for biodiversity conservation, funded by the Australian High Commission and implemented by the Assemblies of God Care (AG Care) Ghana Yendi office.

He reminded them that they are known as major players in Ghana’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSMES) sector, which contributes about 70 percent of Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He said that through the project, women are supported to establish honey production businesses that will not only support families but also contribute to strengthening the economic development of Ghana.

Skills training is recognized by the African Union as an important way to improve livelihoods and provide a route out of poverty; The direct aid program was aimed at making targeted contributions to improving the outcomes of vulnerable programmes.

He said they supported eight West Africans this year.

Madam Caddice Hooper praised the Children Believe and AG care Ghana team for implementing the project and their work to strengthen the women’s economy in Ghana.

Madam Frieda Bila North Field Office Team Leader, Tamale, said limited access to agricultural land, entrenched gender roles, inadequate employment opportunities and lack of exposure to modern farming methods, among others, pose significant barriers to women’s empowerment both in the economy and in decision-making processes. .

Madam Freida said unfortunately the ongoing effects of climate change were further increasing the vulnerability of women in rural communities in Northern Ghana.

According to the Team Leader, their collaboration with government agencies to provide technical support and managers on beekeeping and afforestation was effective.

He said that the equipment to be given to various groups will serve as a catalyst in providing alternative livelihoods and increasing the incomes of women, who are the breadwinners of most households.

Children Believe Country Director Madam Esnam Kavi De Souza expressed her gratitude.

Australian Aid for their support.

He said they hope the beneficiary communities will not disappoint when they get there next year.

GNA