In a significant boost to the innovative Generating Revenues and Opportunities for Women to Improve Nutrition in Ghana (GROWING) project, Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Martine Moreau, visited the Tamale sub-office of the International Potato Center (CIP) and CARE Ghana.
The visit amplifies Canada’s support for the project, which is making considerable strides in enhancing nutrition and economic empowerment, especially among women and children in Ghana’s northern regions.
Funded by Global Affairs Canada, the GROWING project, led by the International Potato Center (CIP), targets communities in six districts heavily affected by poverty, malnutrition and alarming rates of stunting and vitamin A deficiency among children under five. One of the critical components of this project involves Agro-processing, Marketing, and Business Skills, aiming to transform small and medium enterprises (SMEs) into self-sustaining entities that contribute significantly to the local economy and nutrition.
A significant highlight of Ambassador Moreau’s visit was the spotlight on two local enterprises, Shekinah Glory Bakery and Drinks and B-Diet Natural Food enterprise, both recruited by the GROWING project for their potential to effect change. These enterprises have embraced the cultivation and use of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP), a nutrient-packed crop, innovatively incorporating it into their product lines to combat vitamin A deficiency and malnutrition in the region.
Shekinah Glory Bakery, renowned for supplying bread to approximately 70% of the Tamale population, has adeptly integrated OFSP into its bread and cakes, showcasing a sustainable model of nutritious food production. “The adoption of OFSP has not only enriched our products nutritionally but also set us apart in the market, making a profound impact on our community’s health,” Mrs. Baah-Ofori – CEO, Shekinah Glory Bakery.
Similarly, B-Diet Natural Food enterprise has made significant strides by producing cookies, granular products, and OFSP flour for porridge, demonstrating the versatility and health benefits of OFSP. These enterprises exemplify the project’s goals of nutrition improvement, gender equity, and economic empowerment through innovative agro-processing techniques.
Ambassador Moreau expressed her admiration for the project’s achievements, stating, “The GROWING project is a remarkable example of how targeted support and innovation in agriculture can uplift entire communities. The efforts of Shekinah Glory Bakery and B-Diet Natural Food enterprise, in particular, highlight the project’s success in enhancing nutrition and providing sustainable economic opportunities.”
The GROWING project’s focus on integrating OFSP into local diets and economies is part of a broader strategy to create a more inclusive, gender-equitable, and resilient food system in Ghana. By empowering local enterprises like Shekinah Glory Bakery and B-Diet, the project not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term economic and social empowerment.
Speaking at the event, the GROWING Project Manager and Country Liaison, Birhanu Temesgen emphasized on CIP commitments to effectively implement and overall reduces the rate of malnutrition in Northern Ghana. “The GROWING project’s focus on integrating OFSP into local diets and economies is part of a broader strategy to create a more inclusive, gender-equitable, and resilient food system in Ghana. By empowering local enterprises like Shekinah Glory Bakery and B-Diet, the project not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term economic and social empowerment.”
The ambassador’s visit marks a pivotal moment for the GROWING project, reaffirming the international community’s support for Ghana’s agricultural and nutritional advancements. Through collaborative efforts and innovative practices, the project continues to pave the way for improved nutritional and financial security among women, youth, and young children in Ghana, setting a benchmark for sustainable development in the region.
