Kongo: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocesan Development Organisation (NABOCADO), has extended livelihood support to the residents of Kongo community in the Tempane District. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the resilience of vulnerable border residents while fostering social cohesion.
According to Ghana News Agency, the intervention has benefited 130 individuals with livelihood support packages, which include sewing machines and accessories for trained dressmakers, weaving equipment for the youth, goats for rearing, and agro-processing equipment for women's groups. This support aims to uplift the socio-economic conditions of women and young residents, addressing vulnerabilities that contribute to conflict in border areas.
The initiative is part of the "Governance, Rule of Law and Peacebuilding for Sustainable Development Programme," funded by the governments of Denmark, Luxembourg, and the Republic of Korea. During the presentation of the livelihood items, Ms. Melody Azinim, UNDP Ghana's Peace and Governance Analyst, highlighted that the intervention is a component of the organisation's global peacebuilding programme, with Ghana being one of the key beneficiaries. She emphasized the programme's goal of strengthening peace infrastructures at both national and community levels.
Ms. Azinim underscored the importance of empowering women and youth through livelihood opportunities to improve their socio-economic standing and contribute to community development. She noted that border communities often face social and economic developmental delays, making them susceptible to conflict and security challenges.
The choice of Kongo for this intervention is due to its proximity to the Ghana-Togo border and its history of communal conflict, making it a strategic location for enhancing peace infrastructure and rebuilding livelihoods. Similar efforts are being implemented in border communities in the Savannah Region along the Ghana-C´te d'Ivoire border.
Mr. Theophilus Abolga, NABOCADO's Director of Justice, Peace and Humanitarian Response, explained that the project aims to build resilience and promote peaceful coexistence in Kongo, a community with a history of recurring violent conflicts. He highlighted that the project uses livelihood as a peacebuilding tool, helping residents achieve economic self-reliance while fostering cooperation among diverse community groups.
Beneficiaries will also receive training in business management, financial literacy, and savings, and cultural exchange activities will be organized to further strengthen unity. Mr. Abolga expressed hope that this initiative would motivate residents to protect their livelihoods and work collaboratively towards community development.
Ms. Zeliya Mamudu, a beneficiary, expressed gratitude to UNDP, NABOCADO, and their partners, stating that the support would empower women and youth with employable skills, contributing significantly to conflict prevention in the area.