FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION

“One generation shall commend Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.” – Psalm 145:4

Warm greetings to each of you, our faithful friends and partners!

This season has been rich with impact. We welcomed nearly 250 Christian Chiefs back to Carpenter—grateful for the peace they help uphold in Ghana. It was also a joy to host students and educators from Pacific Academy as we build a new partnership in education.

Time with ECAC pastors, lay-leaders and their spouses was equally encouraging, with mentorship flowing between generations.

Dr. Jennifer Wilson’s update reminds us how far the reach of our health partnerships has grown—well beyond Carpenter.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support,

Dr. David Mensah

GRID & NEA Executive Director

Nearly 250 Christian chiefs from across Northern Ghana came together in Carpenter for a powerful time of connection, prayer, and shared vision. These leaders are united in their commitment to pass on a legacy of faith—one that will bless families and communities for generations to come.

Pastors, elders, and their spouses participated in a rich time of teaching, fellowship, and prayer. God’s presence was evident throughout, and each attendee left renewed and equipped to carry the work of the Kingdom forward in their churches and communities.

In March, a team of teachers and students from Pacific Academy visited Carpenter to partner with local educators and support Sunday School ministry. Together, they shared knowledge, built relationships, and served with joy.

My time in Carpenter was unforgettable. From the school to the church and hospital, your kindness reflected God’s heart. Being with the children and teachers showed how love and faith pass through generations.

Victoria
Pacific Academy Student

Hearing Dr. David Mensah’s testimony and witnessing God’s leadership through him gave me a glimpse of how God’s Kingdom will one day reign. Carpenter shines as a ray of hope, faith, and love in a world full of uncertainty.

WERNER
Pacific Academy TEAM LEAD

A New Season of Global Health Partnership

By: Dr. Jennifer Wilson, GRID Board Member, Canadian Consultant for Family and Emergency Medicine, Director of International Partnerships, Leyaata Hospital, Ghana

In 2007, Canadian health professionals travelled to Northern Ghana, planting the seeds of what became the Ghana Health Partners (GHP). Nearly 20 years later, GHP has evolved into a vibrant partnership with Leyaata Hospital—focused on sustainability, mentorship, and intergenerational learning.

Today, GHP strengthens Leyaata’s 200+ staff through teaching, consulting, and knowledge exchange. In 2025, three specialized teams are engaged:

• February – Our UK team led surgical and anesthesia mentorship and provided neonatal resuscitation training to midwives.

• April – Our Canadian team supported emergency care, nursing development, and neglected tropical diseases.

• November – Dental and eye care, lab/pharmacy/paramedic support, and mental health exploration.

This new phase includes support for the Hypertension Clinic and growing academic collaboration with the University of Toronto and KNUST (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology). This summer, joint faculty will lead courses on palliative care and quality improvement, with early research efforts underway.

At the heart of it all is Leyaata’s exceptional team—skilled, compassionate, and committed. Their leadership and vision inspire us as we work together to build a strong, sustainable future.

Next, we aim to raise funds for the Leyaata Education and Research Centre—a dedicated hub for in-person and virtual learning, simulation, skills labs, and professional development. It will anchor our partnership in a space designed for growth, innovation, and shared learning.

These missions are more than medical trips—they’re built on trust, humility, and friendship. It’s an honour to walk alongside Leyaata team, from generation to generation.

Dr. Anne Zeiddler with the midwives who just completed the Helping Babies Breathe course.

Surgery Team

Hypertension team with Dr. Charlie and Sandra Peniston

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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https://grid-nea.org/2025/03/2024impactreport/

Restoring Hope, Rebuilding Lives

BY: DR. DAVID & BRENDA MENSAH, GRID & NEA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Over the past 40 years of work in Ghana, we have often looked directly into the eyes of countless men, women, and children, seeing the hopelessness etched there as they shared their burdens with us: widows struggling to feed their children; men whose entire year’s crops were destroyed by bushfires; students with dreams of further education but no one to support their school fees; the sick, unable to afford or access the medical care they desperately needed; and the hungry — one woman’s words still haunt us: “I can’t remember what it feels like to be full.”

BUT, by God’s grace and with your faithful partnership, we have seen that look of despair transform into one of joy and hope. Through your support, these same individuals have experienced restoration, triumph, and renewed purpose.

THANK YOU, on their behalf, for being a beacon of hope! As you read the stories that follow, know that you played a vital role in these transformations—and in so many others. May God continue to use us all to bring hope to those in despair.

Lovea’s journey is a testament to perseverance and the impact of support. In 2020, she gained admission to a nursing training institution in Ghana. However, her aging parents couldn’t afford the admission fees, forcing her to forfeit her spot. Determined to pursue her dreams, she moved to the city to take on menial jobs, saving every bit she could.

The following year, Lovea reapplied and was accepted once again, but the financial barrier remained. As her hopes of pursuing higher education began to fade, a friend told her about our scholarship program. She applied without hesitation and as a determined young woman who met all the eligibility criteria, her application was approved. With the support of our sponsorship program, Lovea enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Community Mental Health program. This year, she graduated as the best student in her class, achieving an impressive GPA of 3.86—just shy of the perfect 4. Lovea’s story is a powerful reminder of how opportunities, combined with determination, can transform lives.

One of the things that brings joy to parents, especially those in rural areas, is seeing their children thrive and access the same opportunities as their peers in larger towns and cities.

For Mr. Moses Kwadwo Lantoh, this dream was no different. He longed to see his daughter, Emmanuella, pursue higher education. However, financial hardship stood in the way.

Despite his age and the challenges involved, Mr. Lantoh traveled several
kilometers with Emmanuella to our project site, determined to seek
sponsorship for her education.

Thanks to our educational sponsorship program, Emmanuella is now pursuing
a Bachelor of Science in Disease Control and Epidemiology at a tertiary
institution, turning her father’s dream into a reality.

A 32-year-old woman visited Leyaata Hospital a year ago. Married with five children, she suffered from congenital cataracts in both eyes, a condition causing clouded vision. Despite years of herbal treatments, her sight did not improve. After the Leyaata Hospital’s optometrist’s review, she was recommended for cataract surgery. On July 26, 2024, a visiting opthalmologist operated on her right eye at the Leyaata Hospital. She recently returned for review and her sight is improving. She is now planning for surgery on her left eye. We thank God for restoring her hope and rebuilding her life. Indeed, our God rescues!

A NEW DAWN OF HOPE:
Launch of the Hypertension Clinic in Ghana’s Savannah Region

A group of community leaders, healthcare providers, and attendees celebrate the launch of the Hypertension Clinic, marking a transformative step towards better health care in the Savannah Region.

In Ghana’s Savannah Region, hypertension, often called the “silent killer,” affects nearly one in three people, many of whom are unaware of their condition. This year, a new hypertension clinic opened its doors, offering critical resources to address this pervasive health issue.

Launched on October 18, the clinic serves as a central hub where Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) and local Health Centers can refer patients for comprehensive hypertension care. Developed through a co-production approach led by Sandra Peniston, a team lead with Ghana Health Partners, the clinic was thoughtfully designed with input from local residents and healthcare providers. Community focus groups, supported by NEA, helped identify barriers to care, while insights from healthcare providers guided the creation of practical, effective solutions.

Drawing over 300 attendees, the clinic’s launch represents a new era of health and hope in the Savannah Region. With community support, this initiative is a major step in restoring health and saving lives.

These stories reflect the power of resilience and the unwavering hope that carries us through life’s toughest challenges. The restoration of hope in these lives is made possible through the partnership we share with you — our valued supporters and partners. We celebrate not only the journey but also the strength, faith, and perseverance of those who inspire us all. Together, we are building a future where hope not only survives, but thrives!

Looking Ahead – Rebuilding Continues

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12 NIV

The work that GRID has been doing in Northern Ghana since 1984 has always been, at its core, about restoring hope through building relationships and providing training and resources that allow the men and women of Northern Ghana to live, work and provide for their families with dignity and pride.

Over the years we’ve encouraged the growth of programs like Babanayaa which allows women to be self-sufficient through peanut farming, through education by providing scholarships and building schools and through health initiatives like constructing clinics and, most recently the Leyaata Hospital in Carpenter. We have also invested our time and resources into peace building, food security, environmental protection and water and sanitation projects.

But our work is not done. There is much more than remains for us to do. It is hard work, demanding sacrifices of time and resources. Nevertheless, we are motivated by the love of Jesus to serve the poor, and help struggling communities to meet their basic needs in a sustainable manner; we intend to continue this work until He returns. Working hand in hand with NEA (Northern Empowerment Association), to alleviate poverty and transform communities has had its challenges but it is so worthwhile when we see women becoming self-sufficient, or children having safe access to education, or pastors proudly welcoming their flock to a church building, instead of the grass under a tree.

Hope is nothing without faith! We at GRID work as a team to help fulfill the hopes and dreams that the precious people of northern Ghana long for. Through the endeavors of GRID and you, our partners in this mission we have helped build the faith in Christ needed to instill Hope and restoration!

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing with us. This update we offer you can’t even come close to actually being there to be able to see what God has accomplished through His people. It is truly amazing to see. God Bless you as you continue to walk with us.

Yours in Christ,

David Butcher, GRID Chair

The statement above is from the grandmother of an eight-year-old girl diagnosed with leprosy.

Emmanuel Jackie, a local pastor who received training to detect NTD (Neglected Tropical Diseases) through our Wi Songla Project (in partnership with American Leprosy Missions) saw Mankere. She had patches of discoloration on her hands, and she would cry at night because she was in pain. Pastor Jackie encouraged Augustina to take Mankere to the hospital.

Having seen leprosy’s effects when left untreated, she got scared. Thankfully, Mankere was diagnosed early and started treatment right away. She is already seeing improvement and has been able to return to school and play with friends again.

Beatrice, one of the physician assistants, stressed how important it is to get proper training to detect NTDs, yet she still summed up her work: “As clinicians, we do all that we can, but it is God who heals.”

Mankere and Augustina – full of smiles.

Smiles are on the faces of thirty-eight young girls who have been sponsored to embark on tertiary education.

Sponsoring young girls to further their education is part of the Babanayaa Project’s commitment to empowering women in rural communities in the Savannah Region of Ghana. While mothers receive help to better their livelihoods through peanut farming and other income-generating interventions, young girls in their communities can now fulfill their dreams of being in school like their privileged counterparts in big towns and cities. It has left unfading smiles on the faces of underprivileged mothers and young girls whose worries have been taken care of.

In the previous years, twenty-two young girls were sponsored into senior high schools and various tertiary institutions. Nine have completed while the rest are still in school. Thanks to our ongoing partnership with the Government of Canada and you, our faithful partners, for making their dreams come true!

Some of these young girls had this to say when they visited NEA for their school fees.

Charity is a native of Sonyor and a first-year Medical Laboratory Technician student at Wa Technical University. Her dad passed away about half a decade ago. The responsibility of caring for Charity and her other siblings rested on her widowed mom.

As a widow, Charity’s mom is into peanut farming, which does not earn her enough to see Charity through tertiary education. With the educational support they received, her mom can save the little she gets from her farming activities to feed her younger siblings.

CHARITY YOMBA GBOLO

Fedilatu is a second-year student at Tamale College of Education. It is her dream to become an educator. Her parents are old and unable to raise funds to pay her fees and settle other bills in school. Fedilatu was in tears as she narrated her situation.

FEDILATU ALHASSAN

Our Babanayaa co-op women are bringing hope and smiles to many more women.

Although these women are from deprived, vulnerable and poor backgrounds, nevertheless, they are selfless. They continue to think of women in their communities who are in situations similar to what they found themselves prior to the implementation of the Babanayaa Project.

As a result of their selflessness, co-op leaders have encouraged their members to identify one vulnerable woman in their community and give them a bag of peanuts to start a peanut farm.

Currently, all 500 women of co-op batches one and two have done this. The additional 250 women in batch three plan to do the same after their second harvest.

Co-op women happily helping other vulnerable women with sacks of peanuts.

Babies are bringing smiles to our Leyaata Hospital staff.

The attendance at the maternity wing is increasing. On the hospital’s opening anniversary, three girls had been born that morning. At the close of the day, the ‘match’ had concluded with a score of three for the girls and two for the boys. Together, we praise the Lord for rescue after rescue!

The twin girls who were first to arrive.

As you celebrate Thanksgiving next week, may the unfading smiles of Mankere, Augustina, Charity, Fedilatu, the Babanayaa women and the babies bring smiles and hope to you, your families and friends.

Thank you for all you do to partner with us to bring hope and smiles to those in great need!

OUR IMPACT: STATS & STORIES

Earlier in June, the GRID board and leadership team met for the annual general meeting. We looked back at the many great things WE (you and us) have accomplished together to carry forward our mission of meeting the basic needs in the communities we serve in a sustainable and integrated manner, motivated by Christ’s love.

The stats and stories you will read here speak of the great impact of transforming lives and communities we are blessed to partner with together.

Since the opening of the doors of Leyaata Hospital, the numbers of patients and visitors increase daily as the staff serve and provide quality healthcare for the people in the Carpenter area and far beyond. There have been several emergency obstetrical cases that have come where the patients had very little time on their side, but they survived. It’s with great excitement we share some stories and statistics of lives rescued.

BLOOD BANK

Keeping the blood bank stocked is vital. NEA staff were the first donors, the Ghana Health Partners added to this and recently, a blood donation clinic was set up at a nearby secondary school to fill the fridge. The hospital is liaising with other hospitals within a three hour radius to set up a loan and exchange system so that blood does not expire and so that all types are available. Recently, a woman was referred to the hospital with life-threatening post-delivery complications. She depleted the hospital’s stock of her blood type and three staff quickly donated blood to save her life.

As can be seen by the numbers below, the Leyaata Hospital is already impacting thousands – one patient at a time!

CHURCH GROWTH

Dr. David Mensah had a great zoom call with the ECAC leadership team last week. They were pleased to report that a new congregation has been established in Wasipe. The youth are excited and busy preparing for their annual youth conference in August.

The leadership has met with the new Bible School graduates and have decided on the communities where they will go to begin their ministry.

Pastor Janet Nyaahbolsom, one of the new graduates, was awarded the SRC Welfare Minister citation for her exemplary leadership and contributions to the growth and development of the Ghana Baptist University College.

They also reported on the great progress of the construction of the three church buildings. One is completed and two are under construction.

Each pastor nurtures at least two congregations. Please pray for the pastors’ safety as they move about on their motorbikes from congregation to congregation.

The Babanayaa Project seeks to empower rural women through livelihood empowerment interventions such as peanut farming, animal husbandry and educational sponsorship for girls. Prior to the project, many young girls did not aspire to be in school due to the cultural norms which accorded males much higher educational opportunities to be in school at the expense of their female counterparts. The few girls who wanted to be in school could not afford it.

The introduction of the female education program opened doors for several girls, including Faustina. Her dad passed away when she was in her final year of high school. A year later she completed high school with distinction, but her single mom could not afford to enroll her for post-secondary education. Thankfully, she heard of the Babanayaa sponsorship program. She applied and was awarded a scholarship. A door has opened for Faustina to become a nurse.

Twenty-two young women have already benefitted from the scholarship program and 38 more have been approved for scholarships this year. This is possible because the cost of scholarships for the 60 girls is still within the budgeted amount of our original proposal for 30 girls. We are grateful to you, our faithful sponsors, and to the Government of Canada for their funding support.

FAUSTINA NADOWLINAA

As the number of people and communities we serve grows annually, we also thank God for the new GRID leadership team members joining our board this year.

DR. CHARLES & SANDRA PENISTON

Dr. Charles & Sandra have been part of the Ghana Health Team/Ghana Health Partners since 2009. As a highly regarded cardiovascular surgeon, Dr. Charles plays a vital role in rescuing thousands of lives. Sandra is an Assistant Professor at York University’s Faculty of Health – School of Nursing and actively mentors our Leyaata Hospital nursing team.

CHERYL WEBER

Cheryl has been in broadcasting for over 20 years and currently co-hosts 100 Huntley Street, where she interviewed Dr. David Mensah in 2013. Cheryl is a public speaker, versatile national and international reporter and producer. She is also the Director of Crossroads Cares Relief and Development.

LYNNITA WEBER

Lynnita was GRID’s Senior Program Manager from 2009 – 2019. She was very instrumental in the success of the Leyaata & Leyaata Ane Projects. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in Organizational Leadership. She is also the Executive Pastor of St. Paul’s Leaksdale Church, one of our committed church partners.

Your steadfast support, partnership and generosity make it possible to extend our outreach efforts to care for the most vulnerable through (i) sustainable peanut and goat farming, (ii) building community fishponds and gardens (iii) providing scholarships (iv) keeping people healthy through the Leyaata Hospital (v) providing access to clean water and (vi) equipping local church leaders to serve their congregations and stand in their faith. Together, we will continue to serve those in great need!

We look forward to sharing more stories and increased stats of lives transformed this year.