Asaasiam Vision International (AVI) Commissions Ultramodern Women Economic Empowerment Project at Oda Nkwanta

A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Asaasiam Vision International (AVI), has commissioned an ultramodern palm oil and palm kernel oil processing facility at Akyem Oda Nkwanta in the Eastern Region of Ghana aiming to empower vulnerable women within the enclave.

The project dubbed "Vulnerable Women Economic Empowerment – Women in Palm Oil and Plam Kernel Production seeks to transform the lives of 200 vulnerable women in the community, desiring to help vulnerable women gain financial independence as enshrined in the the vision and operations of the organisation.

At the grand commissioning on November 29, 2024, Dr. Joseph Asare, founder of AVI intimated that this is a dream come through. He stressed "My vision is to make the world a better place for all, especially women, children and persons living with disabilities". Dr. Asare adds he believes the project was going to not only transform the lives of women and their families, but it will also contribute to Ghana’s efforts to solving the myriad socio-economic challenges that has become obstacles to Ghana’s development agenda.

He continued by challenging the beneficiaries to seize the opportunity and also see themselves as co-owners of the business. He advised, "work hard to promote the growth of this project so that others can be beneficiaries in the future", he stated.

The AVI founder seize the moment to appreciate Mr. Donald Didier and Mrs. Alodier Didier - Board Chair and Special Advisor to the Board respectively for providing 70% of the project financing cost. The remaining 30% was by the other boards members. To this, Mr. Asare reiterated that "the project was made possible through the kind support of generous donations for individuals who believe in the vision of Asaasiam", underscoring, it is therefore incumbent on the community to as a matter of urgency lend their helping to ensure the project succeeds.

Nana Ofosuhene Apenteng II, the Akyem Oda Nkawnta Akwamuhene also present at the event praised AVI for their good work in impacting lives, especially women and children. Nana expressed his joy and thank AVI for considering Akyem Oda Nkwanta for such a great project and pledged their support to ensure the project achieves it intended purpose.

Women in Palm Oil and Plam Kernel Production project at Oda Nkwanta in the Eastern Region of Ghana aims to directly engage 200 vulnerable women, who are small-scale palm plantation farmers in commercial palm oil and palm kernel oil production. These vulnerable women are faced with severe post-harvest losses due to the use of outdated harvesting methods, lack of ready market for raw palm fruits, and use of outdated palm oil processing methods that results in about 40% to 45% post-harvest loses. The project is also expected to create addition indirect job for 300 women. The project is designed to create and generate an additional income for women who live in extreme poverty, provide palm plantation farming support and opportunity for the wards of the beneficiaries to be enrolled in school.

Other important persons present at the ceremony were Mr. Donald Didier and Mrs Alodie Didier – Board Chair and Special Advisor, Fr Stephen Asare – Executive Director of AVI, and Madam Theresa Frempomaa Somuah – Women programs Coordinator.

Asaasiam Vision International (AVI) is a national non-governmental organization established in 2012. Asaasiam aims at transforming/impacting lives. AVI is committed to promoting sustainable impacts on Children, Families, and Environmental activities which includes vulnerable women's economic empowerment, impoverished and disabled youth literacy, vocational and technical skills development, and environmental actions.

Since its establishment, AVI has supported over 2,500 impoverished youth and persons with disabilities to acquire literacy, vocational and technical skills development. Our residential education program also takes full responsibility for the education and shelter of impoverished youths. In addition, over 1000 vulnerable women in 25 deprived communities in Ghana have also received various economic empowerment support.