The Paramount Chief of the Jirapa Traditional Area, Naa Di-Naa Donlabong III, has urged residents and natives of Jirapa living outside the community to take greater responsibility for its development. He made the call at the launch of the Anwelle Foundation in Jirapa, emphasizing that development can begin from within the community, not just from Accra. The foundation aims to tackle poverty and youth unemployment through various interventions.
The Anwelle Foundation, established by Frank Anwelle, focuses on addressing resource gaps in rural communities through education, youth empowerment, sustainable livelihoods, and rural development. The foundation's initiatives include emergency support for students, vocational training, and access to clean water. Its goal is to provide opportunities for talented young people in rural communities who may not have access to information or financial support.
Naa Di-Naa Donlabong III defended the recent decision to confer a chieftaincy title on social media influencer Parrot Mouth, citing the need for traditional institutions to adapt to modern communication platforms. He emphasized that the palace must not become disconnected from modern tools and encouraged the use of social media to promote the community. This move reflects the traditional council's effort to engage with modern communication platforms.
Frank Anwelle, founder and CEO of the Anwelle Foundation, said his decision to establish the charity was influenced by his own experience of receiving educational support at a critical stage of his life. He noted that many talented young people in rural communities miss opportunities due to lack of access to information or financial support. The foundation aims to close this gap by providing help and opportunities to those in need.
The foundation has already undertaken several interventions, including supporting students affected by the Jirapa Senior High School dormitory fire, distributing sewing machines to vocational trainees, and drilling boreholes for clean water access. Beneficiaries, such as Abdul Karim Hakim, a Level 400 student at the University for Development Studies, have shared their experiences of receiving support from the foundation.
The launch of the Anwelle Foundation attracted various dignitaries, including the Upper West Regional Minister, Charles Lwanga Puozuing, who commended the initiative and donated GH¢20,000 to the foundation. Other donors, such as Bernard Anbataayela Mornah, leader of the People's National Convention, also made contributions. The foundation's board chairman, Prof Williams Angko, pledged to operate according to principles of transparency and non-partisanship.
Key stakeholders have emphasized the importance of collaboration and sustainability in the foundation's operations. Prof Osumanu Issaka Kanton, chairman of the occasion, called on the Jirapa Municipal Assembly, traditional authorities, and development partners to work with the foundation to address poverty and development challenges in the area. The foundation's success will depend on sustained work in communities and effective partnerships.
Key points
- The Anwelle Foundation aims to address resource gaps in rural communities through education, youth empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods.
- The foundation's initiatives include emergency support for students, vocational training, and access to clean water.
- The launch of the foundation attracted various dignitaries, including the Upper West Regional Minister and other donors.
