Gomoa NGOs, CBOs attend HIV/AIDS workshop

Apam (C/R), Aug. 8, GNA - The Gomoa District AIDS Committee has organised a workshop at Apam for Non-Governmental and Community Based Organisations engaged in the campaign against the spread of HIV/AIDS. It was aimed at enhancing the capacity of the members in accounting, report writing and campaign message delivery.

Nine CBOs and five NGOs have been given financial support by the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) for the campaign in the District. Miss Joyce Mildred Aidoo, District Chief Executive (DCE), cautioned them against the misuse and said "no one should see the programme as an opportunity to amass wealth".

She advised the organisations to co-ordinate their activities to disseminate the message in the communities. The DCE called on the members to strive not to indulge in activities they have been preaching against and to be role models in their communities.

Mr Yaw Adu Asamoah, District Co-ordinating Director, urged the organisations to operate in accordance to their proposals to the AIDS Commission.

They should also submit regular financial returns and reports on their activities to the District Assembly.

Mr Eric Akobeng, District HIV/AIDS Monitoring and Evaluation Focal Person, called on them to involve the people in the planning and delivery of their programmes.

"Know the cultural values of the people. Also know the prevailing situation there before planning programmes and do not impose ideas on the people," he said.

Mr Akobeng said CBOs had been involved in the campaign because they knew their communities better.