Effutu MCE lauds Helen Project International for empowering grandmothers

The Effutu Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Reverend Atta Mensah, has expressed gratitude to Helen Project International Inc. for its continued support to grandmothers in the municipality who are caring for orphaned grandchildren.

Speaking at a celebration event in Winneba organised by the project management, Rev. Mensah praised the initiators, executives, directors, donors, and management of the NGO for their efforts in empowering beneficiaries through seed capital and microloans.

He said the initiative had not only provided financial assistance but also restored hope and dignity to grandmothers, enabling them to start small businesses and use the proceeds to support the education and welfare of orphaned children.

“The Assembly will factor these grandmothers into its next budget and acquire learning materials for their grandchildren. To whom much is given, much is expected; ensure the orphans receive the education, knowledge, and skills needed to be self-sufficient in the future,” Rev. Mensah assured.

About Helen Project International

Established in 2013, the NGO provides interest-free microloans of USD 100 to grandmothers for business startups, repayable within a year. The initiative stems from a 2010 Memorandum of Understanding that formalised the Sister City relationship between the City of Charlottesville (USA) and the Effutu Municipal Assembly.

According to Ms. Ernestina Nabari Yawson, the Project Director in Ghana, the initiative began with five beneficiaries and has now grown to 56 grandmothers, many of whom are running small-scale businesses such as smoked fish trading, roasted plantain, and peanut sales.

International Support and Monitoring

A delegation from the United States, including Rev. Dr. Dale Johnson, Executive Director; Rev. Mrs. Karen Cooper, Board Secretary; Rev. Kelvin Mattox, Board Treasurer; and Mr. Charles Cooper, Project Donor, attended the programme. They joined local leaders, including Very Rev. Eldad Bonney, former Presiding Member of the Effutu Municipal Assembly, and Mr. Yakubu Quansah, the current Presiding Member.

Rev. Mrs. Johnson said the visit was aimed at celebrating the achievements of the grandmothers, understanding their challenges, and supporting six new beneficiaries.

“We visited the homes and workplaces of some grandmothers and were impressed with how well they have utilised the capital. We applaud them and encourage them to continue focusing on their businesses to achieve independence,” she said.

Two pioneer beneficiaries, Madam Comfort Allotey and Madam Elizabeth Essel, also expressed their gratitude to the donors, praying for God’s blessings on the initiators of the programme