We are motivated by the love of Christ to serve the poor.
We enable poor communities to meet their basic needs in a sustainable manner.
How We Started
In the 1970s, a group of Ghanaian high school students agreed that they wanted to make a difference in the lives of Ghana’s poor. Each of these students had personally experienced extreme poverty and knew that it was almost impossible to escape without help.
Who We Are
We are a Christian charitable organization that provides sustainable community development in Ghana.
We work hand in hand with NEA (Northern Empowerment Association), a Ghanaian Christian development organization that lives and works among Ghana’s poor to alleviate poverty and transform communities.
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Indigo
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A Story of Hope and Triumph
Kwabena is the story of David Mensah’s life an African orphan and street kid who was rescued and transformed by God’s grace. He become known as a friend of the poor. You can find no better explanation of our roots and motivation than this book.
Meet Our Leadership Team
GRID CANADA & USA
Chairman, Board Member
GRID USA & CANADA
President, Secretary
GRID CANADA
Treasurer
GRID CANADA
Board Member
GRID CANADA
Board Member
GRID & NEA Executive Director
GRID Program Coordinator
NEA Board
The Northern Empowerment Association (NEA) is a registered non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) in Ghana. It was incorporated in Ghana in 2001. NEA’s headquarters are in Tamale, the capital of Ghana’s Northern Region.
Contact Information
Northern Empowerment Association
PO Box 809; Tamale, Northern Region; Ghana, West Africa
t: 011.233.71.22956
f: 011.233.71.23590
e: nea@grid-nea.org
Board Members
Mr. Attah Nanotgma (Chair)
At the age of nine, Attah and his 35 siblings lost their father, a Paramount Chief, and were plunged into a life of hardship. In 1978, Attah met some of the students who were in the process of developing NEA, and he, too, wanted to be a catalyst for change. His business and accounting skills have been invaluable to the NEA board over the years.
Mrs. Evelyn Adjetey
Despite her father’s inability to support her in school, Evelyn was able to complete her studies at the Community Health Nursing Training School. Afterward she studied midwifery in the UK. Evelyn provides valuable input on community health issues, and also facilitates community health training at the project sites.
Rev. Stephen Adjetey
Stephen met the various students who were planning NEA through Scripture Union in Tamale, and became like a big brother to them. Until his recent retirement, Stephen directed the Presbyterian church’s Mile 7 agricultural development project. His knowledge of agriculture in northern Ghana has been invaluable to NEA.
Mrs. Rhoda Akwetey
At the age of 10, Rhoda lost her father and was sent to live with an abusive relative. She was able to go to school and while in high school met the members of the NEA group who helped her grow in her Christian faith. Rhoda was trained as a teacher and has since been promoted to different roles within the Ghana Education Service.
Rev. Dr. E. Adam Harunah
Dr. Harunah was one of the group of students that founded NEA in the 1970s. His studies led him to the University of Ibadan for Veterinary Medicine and to Germany for his MSc in General Agriculture and Vaccine Production. Currently the Director of the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Pong Tamale, Dr. Harunah is also an ordained pastor with the Presbyterian Church of Ghana.
Mrs. Cynthia Harunah
Cynthia completed her studies at the Ho Polytechnical Institute for Catering, and furthered them at the Tamale Polytechnical Institute. She has held several positions in her field, including work at the Savelugu School for the Deaf.
Mrs. Sanatu Nantogma
In conversations about women leaders in Ghana, Sanatu’s name is invariably mentioned. She fought for permission to attend school when she was a girl, persevered in the face of many challenges, and eventually became a trained nurse. She completed further studies at COADY Institute in Canada and completed a Master’s Degree in Social Science. Sanatu has worked with World Vision in several capacities, and is currently the National Director for Christian Children’s Fund of Canada in Ghana. Sanatu’s experience in development and her knowledge of gender issues are valued by NEA and by organizations throughout Ghana and beyond.
Mr. Alex Papanko
Having grown up in a northern village in Ghana, Alex is very aware of the effects of poverty on people in the forgotten rural communities. Alex has held various positions with Ghana’s power company, VRA. Providing reliable power to NEA’s project site has been a great challenge and Alex has provided important technical help in that. His management skills, insight, and long-term commitment are important to the NEA Board.
Mrs. Grace Papanko
When she was young, Grace’s father suffered greatly for his Christian faith and Grace was eventually taken from her home to live with her mother’s family. She was able to go to school and pursue a career in nursing. A registered nurse, Grace brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in health issues to the table and is a valued member of the team.
Dr. Mahamadu Seidu Zakariah
“Dr. Zak” was introduced to the group of students founding NEA while he was still in high school, and soon became involved in their plans for an organization that would help the poor in Northern Ghana. He graduated from Ghana Medical School in 1981 and completed his surgical diploma in the UK in 1993. After returning to Ghana he was the Regional Director of Medical Services for the Volta Region before joining the surgical department with the Ghana Police Hospital in Accra.
Stories, Updates & Reports
Check out stories, updates and reports from our team, partners and supporters!
