NGO STARTS 2 PROJECTS IN CENTRAL REGION (PAGE 22)

THE Microsfere, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), in collaboration with the Wild Life Division of the Forestry Commission, has set up two projects in the Central and the Western regions to support communities which fringe two forest reserves, to enhance biodiversity and wildlife protection.
The project areas are the ones which border the Kakum National Park in the Central Region and the Amansuri Wetland in the Western Region.
Under the project, 30 groups made up of 360 participants around the Kakum National Park would benefit from financial assistance from Microsfere.
Launching the project at Abeka Nkwanta, the Project Co-ordinator of Microsfere, Mr Senyo Mensah Buake, named the beneficiary communities around the Kakum National Park as Antwikwaa, Afiaso, Abeka Nkwanta, Adianom, Kenkuase and Brahabebome.
He said the financial assistance to the communities was being channelled through the Kakum Rural Bank.
Mr Buake said the project in the Western Nzema Traditional Area would be channelled through the Jomoro Rural Bank and mentioned Kengen, Benyin, Eloyin and Ngelekrzo as the beneficiary communities.
He added that the activities to be supported in the beneficiary communities included petty trading, vegetable farming, cash crop farming, palm fruits processing, traditional soap making, traditional catering, livestock and poultry, fish processing and other economic ventures.
Mr Buake stated that Microsfere and the Wild Life Division were collaborating in environmental awareness education and the conservation of biodiversity in the project areas.
The District Chief Executive for Twifo-Hemang-Lower Denkyira, Mr Samuel Agyeibi Kessie commended Microsfere for initiating the programme.
He called on the beneficiary communities to support the project, since it would improve their livelihood.