WHAT WE’VE ACCOMPLISHED TOGETHER

BABANAYAA PROJECT

December 3, 2019 – October 25, 2024

The Ultimate Outcome anticipated for the Babanayaa Project was the improved well-being of women and girls in 40 rural communities in Ghana’s Savannah and Bono East Regions.

The actual outcomes are:

GRID & NEA gratefully acknowledge the Government of Canada’s contribution of $1.3 million towards this Project.

Latiegbere Women Co-op Farmers

“In Dagare culture, a woman is not allowed to own a farm independently. This project has broken that barrier (traditional norm) and we now own farms independent of men. This is a big change for us!”

Ayishetu Fuseini
Woman Co-op Farmer, Kwabenanum

"During my first harvest, my husband fell ill, and I was able to pay for his hernia surgery with the proceeds from my peanut sales. After his passing, I was left to raise our seven children alone. Without this peanut farming, I don't know how I would have managed."

Sulemana Bawah Haruna
Opinion Leader, Tahiru Akuraa

"Empowering women eases the burden on men. As a community leader, I advocate for women's welfare. Years ago, no woman here owned a goat—now, thanks to this project, many do."

Namesum Linda
Student Beneficiary

"I almost gave up my admission for my brother, but sponsorship made it possible. Now, as a third-year epidemiology student, I educate my community on disease prevention. Empowering one woman empowers many."

BABANAYAA TEAM

Mary Banowiri, Jonathan Cudjoe, Mumuni Nangmaan, Rachel Nyamekye, Prosper Yeaka

"The Babanayaa Project has greatly impacted rural communities in northern Ghana, transforming the lives of women farmers. They now freely own farms and property, a rarity before the project. Young girls who once had no hope of higher education now have opportunities. Social norms have shifted from male dominance to recognizing women as key contributors to their households and communities." - Mumuni Nangmaan

2 wells constructed

59 scholarships provided

CHURCH GROWTH

A pastor’s training was held, led by Pastor Bob Whitaker from Christ Community Church in Bloomington, USA.

Completion of the Janga Girls’ Dormitory!

NEA first connected with the Janga community in 1981. After ensuring the sustainability of earlier development initiatives, the project site buildings were repurposed for a new secondary school. Thanks to St. Paul’s Church – Leaskdale, the girls’ dormitory is now complete. The dormitory provides a safe living environment, reducing long daily walks to school. Girls can now study in the evenings instead of spending time on domestic tasks.

JANGA GIRLS DORMITORY

LEYAATA HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT TEAM

Isaac Ngula, Abraham Sayibu, Rachel Nyamekye, Dr. Ben Asubiojo, Soale Gbeadese, Dr. David Mensah, Mumuni Nangmaan, Amanda Aryee

LEYAATA HOSPITAL

January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2024

Two Years of Operations!

A dream began in 1972.

Progressed to a discussion after review of data from the annual international medical team visits that started in 2007.

The 2014 impact report titled “A Model Hospital for Carpenter” outlined plans to raise funds.

Today, that vision is a reality, with the hospital now operational 24/7, supported by a staff of 186 (as of December 31, 2024).

“Let us not grow weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Galatians 6:9

Celebrating the Impact & Completion of the Babanayaa Project

We celebrate the completion and profound impact of the Babanayaa Project, meaning “someday they will see that we have changed for the better.” While approved by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) in December 2019, its foundation was laid as early as 2014 when NEA began building trust and understanding the challenges faced by 40 communities through the Leyaata Maternal and Child Health Project.

This achievement would not have been possible without NEA’s dedicated team. Under Mumuni’s leadership, Rachel, Mary, Prosper, and Jonathan played vital roles in implementation, monitoring, and reporting—managing 1,000 farmers, supporting 60 students in colleges and universities, and overseeing the procurement and distribution of supplies, including 1,000 bags of peanuts, cutlasses, tarpaulins, boots, sacks, gloves, needles, string, and 2,000 unruly goats. Their efforts extended to land preparation, training, farm visits, problem-solving, and meticulous record-keeping.

We also recognize the wider NEA team—the Project Manager, drivers (who covered thousands of kilometers), mechanics (who kept vehicles running), hospitality staff (who provided accommodations and meals for training programs), site security, and accountants — for their invaluable support.

A special thanks to the GRID staff as well—Deborah Mensah and Jennifer Zhang for coordinating with NEA, project visits, and timely reporting to GAC, and Paul Lapointe and Tim Bayless for their behind-the-scenes work in accounting.

Ever grateful for your prayers and partnership,

Brenda Mensah
GRID Program Coordinator

MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR

When I look back over all that has been accomplished in the northern region of Ghana, I’m reminded of the words of an old hymn we used to sing: “To God be the glory, great things He has done.”

As I read the statistics in this impact report I once again realize, with God’s help, the impact GRID & NEA together has had by alleviating poverty in the over 160 villages where we are currently working. Our gracious partners who support these endeavors are so crucial to all that has been done to help create sustainability in these regions.

God has indeed done wonderful things, and there is still much work to be done. We covet not only your prayers but also your financial partnership. Many of you have been and continue to be a huge blessing to us and we are so grateful. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

David Butcher
GRID Chairman

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