UN and Ghana Launch Joint Project to Enhance Food Security and Nutrition for Vulnerable Communities
In a bid to address food insecurity and malnutrition, the United Nations (UN) and the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) have launched a joint project to enhance food security, nutrition, and resilience for vulnerable and asylum seekers in the Upper East and Upper West Regions of Ghana.
The project, funded by the Government of France, aims to target at least 12,000 beneficiaries from the most food-insecure vulnerable host communities, improving their livelihoods and building their resilience. The initiative will address food insecurity and malnutrition, while also integrating livelihood strengthening, prevention, and treatment of malnutrition.
According to UN Resident Coordinator, Mr Charles Abani, the project is a result of a collaboration among the UN, the Government of Ghana, and the French Government, which has been running for two years. Abani emphasized the critical role that stakeholders play in addressing complex, interconnected challenges such as food insecurity, malnutrition, and forced displacement.
The project will also integrate social and behavior change interventions to promote positive health and nutrition lifestyles. Abani highlighted the "scary" effects of climate change in the northern part of the country, which has contributed to food insecurity among rural communities.
The UN Resident Coordinator rallied stakeholders to devise strategies to address the phenomenon of climate change, emphasizing that "together, we are stronger" and that the launch signifies a shared responsibility and commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable among us.
A Political Counsellor of the French Embassy, Ms Christine Battesti, commended the communities that have hosted refugees fleeing neighboring countries following Jihadists’ attacks. She pledged that the French government will remain committed to assisting asylum seekers with the needed support, working hand-in-hand with other partners, including the World Food Programme (WFP), to help refugees lead dignified lives in their communities.
The WFP’s Outcome Manager, Gyamiha Abdul-Wahab, revealed that about 2,000 vulnerable people and asylum seekers in 16 selected communities are being supported to engage in farming activities to improve their livelihoods. The Secretary to the Tarikom Refugee Centre in the Bawku West District, Seone Inusah, lauded the UN and government for their continued support, emphasizing that the project has been a grave aid to asylum seekers in the northern part of Ghana.
The project’s implementation is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable communities, providing them with the necessary support to improve their food security, nutrition, and resilience.