Australian High Commission Supports Poverty Alleviation in Ghana and West Africa
19 December, Accra – fourteen communities in Ghana and West Africa will benefit from projects financed by the Australian High Commission’s Direct Aid Program.
Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ms Joanna Adamson, today announced funding of more than 260,000 Australian dollars (approximately 520,000 Ghanaian cedis) has been allocated to 14 poverty alleviation projects in Ghana and West Africa.
The announcement was made at the formal launch of the High Commission’s Direct Aid Program (DAP) for 2013-14, through which the funding has been granted.
“Australia is pleased to be partnering with 14 local and international organisations to make a direct and tangible improvement to the lives of Ghanaians and other West Africans,” High Commissioner Adamson said.
One third of the total budget of 300,000 Australian dollars (approximately 600,000 Ghanaian cedis) had gone to six projects in Ghana, including the construction of a disability assessment clinic in Tamale and a computer laboratory in the Bosome Freho District.
“I’m delighted the Direct Aid Program has extended to eight West African countries this year,” High Commission Adamson said. “These projects are in addition to Australia’s existing development cooperation throughout the region.”
As well as in Ghana, projects will be run in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
“I’m also pleased to see the Direct Aid Program building on the strong links between Australia and countries in the region,” High Commission Adamson added. “For example, we’re supporting the Bosome Freho District Assembly, in partnership with an NGO established by a former colleague here at the High Commission, Dr Kate O’Shaughnessy, to commission a computer laboratory at the Kokofu Anhwiaso Primary School.”
“We’re also working with an alumna of the Australia Awards program in Côte d’Ivoire to train disadvantaged and disabled women in Abidjan,' said High Commissioner Adamson.