WONMAAI Cooperative Cereal Farming and Agro-Processing Union Launched in Doninga
Empowering Women and Advancing Socio-Economic Growth in the Upper East Region
- The cooperative includes 15 women’s groups from Builsa North and South
- Members engage in activities like dressmaking, petty trading
- ORGIIS-Ghana has supported the union with a warehouse
A major step towards empowering women and enhancing socio-economic opportunities in the Upper East Region was taken on Saturday, 23rd November 2024, as the WONMAAI Cooperative Cereal Farming and Agro-Processing Union was officially launched in Doninga, a town in the Builsa South District.
Formed with support from ORGIIS-Ghana in November 2023, the cooperative comprises 15 women’s groups from both Builsa North and South districts, bringing together over 400 members, 98% of whom are women. These members hail from the communities of Siniensi, Doninga, Bachongsa, Nyanbisa, Wupiensa, and Yipaala.
The theme of the launch was “Stakeholders’ Contribution Towards the Development of Our Communities in Buluk.”
The Chairperson of the Union, Madam Evelyn Adarkpiok, whose speech was delivered by Mr. Ataasu Christopher, emphasized the importance of community engagement and collaboration with stakeholders and development partners to empower local communities and unlock economic and business opportunities.
The Chairperson called for continued support to help achieve the union’s objectives of improving members’ livelihoods and enhancing the economic potential of the two districts.
The activities carried out by members of the WONMAAI Union are diverse, including dressmaking, petty trading, peasant farming, hairdressing, food vending, pito brewing, and the collection and processing of shea nuts and baobab fruit. These ventures not only sustain the families of the women involved but also contribute to the local economy.
In his address, Mr. Julius Awaregya, Director of the Organisation for Indigenous Initiatives and Sustainability (ORGIIS-Ghana), commended the members for their resilience and their ability to work together towards improving their socio-economic status.
He encouraged them to avoid internal conflicts such as backbiting and rumor-mongering, which can harm the unity of women’s groups. Mr. Awaregya also highlighted ORGIIS-Ghana’s efforts in providing infrastructural support, including the construction of a warehouse and securing a ready market for baobab fruit.
He urged the community to protect these valuable economic resources, which have strong demand in the international market.
Nab Abayenkaboa Ajuwie, who represented the Chief of Doninga, expressed his joy over the launch of the cooperative. He shared how traditional lending practices in the community have evolved, noting that, unlike in the past when individuals seeking financial assistance had to borrow from cattle dealers or wealthy individuals, members of cooperatives like WONMAAI can now access loans easily and repay them without hassle.
He further noted that the Doninga Traditional Council has enacted by-laws to protect economic trees such as baobab and shea trees, and anyone found destroying these valuable resources would face punishment.
The launch of the WONMAAI Cooperative marks a significant milestone in fostering economic independence and improving the livelihoods of women in the Builsa South and North districts. With support from stakeholders and development partners, the Union is poised to become a key player in driving sustainable development and economic growth in the Upper East Region.
