Introducing our new Board Chair and his vision for the mission ahead.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Charles Peniston as our new Board Chair. A highly respected cardiovascular surgeon with over 30 years of experience, he has a strong commitment to global health, supported by his Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene from the University of Glasgow.
Dr. Peniston serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, is a committed elder at St. Paul’s Leaskdale, and has previously held leadership roles with Heart Valve Voice Canada and Southlake’s cardiac program. Since 2009, he has faithfully served in medical missions in Northern Ghana and is a founding member of Ghana Health Partners, partnering with Leyaata Hospital to strengthen healthcare through teaching and service.
We are grateful for his willingness to serve and confident that his wisdom, experience, and heart for Christ-centered service will be a great blessing.
message from our board chair
Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28
The partnership between GRID and NEA continues to flourish, as reflected throughout this report. By God’s grace, meaningful and transformative work is taking place, impacting lives in profound ways. It is truly inspiring to witness what is being accomplished through the work of the Holy Spirit in collaboration with the people of the Savannah Region in Northern Ghana, alongside the dedicated members of GRID.
As you read on, you will see that the impact of GRID and NEA is both wide-reaching and deeply effective.
This year, our primary focus remains on capacity building—through the continued support of Leyaata Hospital and the development of the Leyaata Education & Research Network (LEARN) Centre.
Leyaata Hospital continues to experience steady growth in both the number of patients served and the range of services offered. Equally significant is the exceptional quality of care being delivered, which extends beyond the hospital into surrounding communities. The construction of the LEARN Centre will establish a modern learning environment for healthcare providers. With enhanced opportunities for simulation-based training, improved connectivity, and greater access to knowledge resources, this facility will play a transformative role in healthcare education in Carpenter, Ghana, and beyond.
We invite you to read this report with a sense of encouragement and inspiration.
Sincerely,
FORWARD THROUGH EVERY SEASON
What God has begun, He continues to sustain and advance.
Over the past two years, we have walked through meaningful transitions. Yet through every change, one truth has remained steady: the calling God has placed before us has not changed.
Motivated by the love of Christ and strengthened by faithful partners like you, pastors continue to be equipped, communities are being served, and lives in Northern Ghana are being transformed. Through every season, the mission continues.
impact in action
EMPOWERING WOMEN
Shea butter production for The Body Shop continues to directly support 650 women in northern Ghana. In 2025, these women processed 233,320 kg of shea butter. NEA continues to coordinate collection of the butter and transports it to the Tema port for onward shipment to The Body Shop. Indirectly this benefits their families and many other women who assist in gathering shea nuts.
Breaking BarRiers:
Bringing NTD Awareness to the Fulani Community
The Wi Songla Project marked a key milestone in combating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) by reaching the often underserved Fulani community through women’s leader, Fati Abdulai. Overcoming barriers, she shared culturally sensitive information on prevention, early treatment, and community action— creating space for questions, correcting misconceptions, and empowering families to protect their health. Many expressed appreciation for being included.
Christian Chiefs Leading in Peace
Since 2010, the last weekend of February has been dedicated to hosting the Northern Ghana Christian Chiefs Association’s annual conference. This year, 166 attendees gathered from 14 tribes and language groups. Many chiefs have faithfully attended year after year, and this year welcomed over 30 new Christian chiefs among them. These men are committed to leading with integrity, fostering and protecting peace, and serving as Christ’s ambassadors among other chiefs who have yet to know Him.
Raising a Generation of Purity and Purpose
Michael Nangor, one of our Bible School scholars, carries a powerful legacy of faith. His father, Pastor John, faithfully served as pastor of the Carpenter Church for many years before his passing, and Michael continues that legacy through his active service in the community.
During his recent school break, Michael organized a “Purity Conference” for youth, drawing over 360 students from surrounding communities. The event brought together pastors, medical professionals, and police to address growing concerns around drug use linked to illegal mining and to equip young people to pursue lives of purity and purpose.
On a Sunday following the conference, Michael shared a message of truth and encouragement during a regular church service at Carpenter, building on the momentum to inspire others to stand firm in their faith.
Michael’s heart for ministry and commitment to his generation are making a meaningful impact in Carpenter and beyond.
a home restored with joy!
Remember Lucy Daah? The widow with four school-aged children whose roof was destroyed in a storm last year? Earlier this month, she arrived at NEA dressed in her best, accompanied by three elders from her community, to say thank you in person.
As she shared her story, Lucy’s voice trembled, and tears streamed down her face. She recalled the moment the storm hit—the fear, the uncertainty, and the sudden spike in her blood pressure. “I didn’t know how we would manage,” she said softly. She had even asked a local shopkeeper for a loan to repair the damage, but when the extent of the destruction was assessed, it was clear it would be impossible for her to repay.
That is when she was referred to NEA, and a faithful partner provided funds to support urgent needs like this. Lucy’s roof was replaced, and her home—and her children—were safe once again. The relief and joy she felt were evident as she recounted the story.
Through her tears, Lucy expressed her profound gratitude:
Stories like Lucy’s remind us why this work matters: because with faithful partners, we can say yes when families need help most—and bring lasting joy to those we serve.
walking in faith as a chief
I thank Almighty God for this wonderful day and for the opportunity to be part of this program. As a new chief, this is my first time attending a gathering of Christian chiefs, and I am grateful to share my experience.
Before accepting the chieftaincy, I struggled with whether it was appropriate as a committed Christian. My pastor initially discouraged me because of traditional practices associated with leadership. However, I learned about the Northern Christian Chiefs Association, which supports Christian chiefs through prayer, guidance, and fellowship while upholding faith and values.
With this knowledge, my pastor reconsidered and gave me his blessing. Attending this program and engaging with other Christian chiefs has been enlightening and encouraging, showing me that it is possible to serve faithfully as a chief while remaining committed to God.
I am deeply grateful to God and the leaders of this association for creating such a platform. Without it,
I may not have been able to accept this role while staying true to my faith. I pray that the association continues to grow and support many more Christian chiefs in the future.
Strengthening Food Security Through Thriving Agriculture
Agriculture programs are thriving. Cattle, sheep, goats, fish, pigs, rabbits, birds, (ostrich, emu, chickens, quail, guinea fowl, pigeons, turkeys, ducks, peacocks), mushrooms, vegetables are increasing food security in the area. Rains have just begun for the cropping season and NEA’s new tractor and farming equipment are ready to start land cultivation in the next weeks.
Queen Mothers Uniting for Community Transformation
In December 2025, Queen Mother Nendomaajeme II (Dr. Elizabeth Mensah-Bowler) convened 33 Queen Mothers from across the Mo Traditional Area to discuss key issues facing their communities and to reflect on how they can use their influence to bring positive change.
Queen Mothers are traditional leaders who work alongside chiefs, using their political and social influence to uphold community well-being, preserve cultural values, and guide local development. Stay tuned as these influential women work together to make a lasting impact in the Mo tribe and beyond!
WITH GRATITUDE FOR FAIThFUL LEADERSHIP
We are deeply grateful for the faithful leadership of David Butcher, whose dedication and servant heart led us through important seasons of growth and transition. Through his steadfast commitment to the mission, the work of equipping pastors, serving communities, and advancing life-changing programs in Northern Ghana has continued to move forward. We thank God for his faithful service and the lasting impact of his leadership.
a strong start TO 2026
As we step into 2026, God continues to open doors for service and impact.
ghana health partners
A team of 11 surgical, paediatric, and radiology partners trained and supported Leyaata Hospital staff in early March, completing 55 surgeries. NICU training reduced newborn referrals, enabling the hospital to care for its first baby born at 31 weeks gestation. Radiology and medical staff also gained skills to perform procedures that previously required surgery.
PACIFIC ACADEMY TEAM
If the school children were to share about this team, they would likely say their time here was far too short. Mornings were spent in the school, with teachers modelling engaging teaching methods and students offering support, while sports day and cultural day were highlights. In the afternoons, the team served across NEA’s work—gathering eggs, feeding fish, and supporting church youth programs. We are grateful for their impact in Carpenter and know this experience has also deeply impacted them.
Christine+Harding says
Good news that Dr. Peniston is assuming the role of GRID chair. Thank you Dr. Peniston for willing to be part of this wonderful group.
Frank Gorman says
It is a great honor to be a part of God’s ministry at GRID, even though I am in the USA. This is a powerful thing that God is doing, and it is changing many lives and growing many Christians for his kingdom! As we continue this wonderful work let us pray daily for all these varied programs which are a part of GRID/NEA. May God bless the hard workers who sacrifice to build His kingdom.