The Bui Power Authority (BPA) has granted over GH¢442,000 to 160 farmers to engage in commercial agriculture.
These farmers, involved in yam and groundnut cultivation, reside in Bui, a resettlement community situated in the Banda District of the Bono Region.
This allocation is part of the BPA’s Livelihood Enhancement Programme (LEP) Phase II, initiated in 2019 to enhance the living standards of individuals affected by the Bui hydroelectric project’s construction.
These recipients are among the 815 eligible individuals set to benefit from the second phase of the BPA’s LEP. Currently, both phases of the LEP have supported about 660 people impacted by dam construction, out of the intended 815.
During the recent financial assistance presentation, Samuel Kofi Dzamesi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BPA, affirmed the authority’s dedication to enhancing the socio-economic well-being of locals, particularly the Project Affected Persons (PAPs), to mitigate their challenges.
Dzamesi emphasized the profitability of farming in the area and encouraged farmers to remain dedicated to their agricultural endeavors, with BPA’s support in maintaining and expanding their farms.
Furthermore, he urged farmers to uphold discipline, work diligently, strive for self-sufficiency, and combat poverty.
Challenges
The Deputy Director, Human and Natural Resources at the BPA, Eric Acheampong, said the implementation of phase one encountered some challenges, which forced the authority to temporarily halt it, to undertake some assessments.
Mr Acheampong said the authority was on course to improve the socio-economic livelihoods of the people to live decent lives. Giving a brief background of the second phase of the LEP, he said the authority put the eligible PAPs into groups as either “standalone or service providers” and adequately resourced them with the required tools and equipment, including personal protection equipment to operate as independent entities.
With the Bui enclave being a predominantly farming area, the BPA constituted the Agricultural Modernisation Module, also known as the BPA LEP 2 Irrigation Farming Module, with the aim of strategically investing in the farming exploits of the PAPs.
Commendation
Nana Kwadwo Wuo II, the Chief of Bui, expressed gratitude to BPA for their dedication to enhancing the community’s well-being, particularly through investments in health, education, and sports.
While acknowledging the community’s appreciation for BPA’s contributions to their welfare, he emphasized the need for further efforts to ensure unemployed youth in the area gain employment opportunities, thereby improving their quality of life.
Judith Nsiah, a groundnut farmer, urged BPA to assist in securing markets and favorable prices for their produce. Maxwell Gbadagbo, a yam farmer and spokesperson for the beneficiaries, extended gratitude to BPA for their support and encouraged fellow farmers to invest the funds in their agricultural pursuits.
[…] 160 yam and groundnut farmers at Bui receive GHS442,000 from BPA […]