World Vision Ghana has distributed 1,000 energy-efficient cookstoves to 30 communities in the Binduri District as part of efforts to promote sustainable cooking, reduce deforestation, and improve the health and livelihoods of rural families.
The initiative is part of the organisation’s scale-up of the Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration PLUS (FMNR PLUS) project, which focuses on environmental protection, climate resilience, and community empowerment.
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In a speech read on his behalf by Mr Samuel Abasiba, FMNR Project Manager, Mr Rexford Yamdorg Bugre, Northern Regional Operations Manager of World Vision Ghana, described the project as a major milestone in the district’s journey toward sustainable development.
He noted that the improved cookstove, known as ‘Gyapa,’ uses 46 percent less fuel and emits less smoke, reducing the heavy reliance on firewood and charcoal, which currently accounts for more than 80 percent of household energy consumption in Ghana.
Mr Bugre explained that overdependence on biomass fuel has contributed to an estimated 70 percent decline in Ghana’s forest cover over the past four decades.
He added that pollution from traditional open-fire cooking is linked to millions of premature deaths globally each year, with rural communities most affected.
The Gyapa stoves are expected to reduce carbon emissions, limit exposure to toxic fumes, and free up household finances for other needs.
Phase II of the FMNR PLUS project, running from May 2024 to March 2026, aims to reach 5,000 individuals while expanding interventions in environmental governance, disaster risk reduction, financial inclusion, and sustainable livelihoods.
Mr Bugre praised the KNAUER family, company partners, and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative, which advances six United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty reduction, health, decent work, economic growth, and climate action.
The cookstoves are expected to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs along the production and distribution chain, and boost local businesses. Mr Bugre urged community members to embrace cleaner cooking solutions and actively participate in efforts to curb deforestation.
Mr William Anamoo, Planning Officer for the Binduri District Assembly, commended World Vision Ghana for its continued support and urged beneficiaries to use the cookstoves effectively to reduce smoke-related illnesses and reliance on firewood.
Beneficiary Mrs Martha Mbila expressed gratitude to World Vision Ghana and highlighted the potential environmental benefits, noting that the stoves would help reduce tree cutting and protect the environment for future generations.
