GRID and NEA

Sustainable Development in Ghana

GRID

GRID & NEA IMPACT UPDATES (OCTOBER 2025)

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   "That the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
 – 2 Timothy 3:17

At the heart of lasting impact is the call to equip and empower those who serve. When God’s people are strengthened through education, discipleship, and training, their influence multiplies—touching families, shaping communities, and inspiring generations to follow Christ. This is how transformation takes root and continues to grow.

The photo above captures a moment from the 2025 Youth Conference in Babatokumah, where 220 young people gathered to grow in faith and service. Through teaching, devotion, and worship, they were reminded that true faith is not only what we believe but how we live—through obedience, humility, and serving others.

A highlight of the conference was a community service project that provided a wheelchair and delivery bed to the local health centre—a tangible act of compassion that reflected the love of Christ in action. The experience left a lasting impression on both the youth and the community, reminding everyone that even small acts of service can carry eternal significance.

As you read this issue of Impact Updates, may you be encouraged by how God is using faithful partners like you to equip and empower others for service. Together, we are seeing lasting impact multiplied—one student, one youth, one act of service at a time.

Shaped to Serve: Stories of Learning and Leadership

When a student studies God’s Word deeply and is mentored for ministry, lives are transformed—their own and those they serve.

This year, our sponsored ministry students are stepping up with boldness, wisdom, and passion—preaching with confidence, reaching others through evangelism, and growing in character to serve as ministers of God.

“The training has broadened and sharpened my knowledge of the Word of God. With the knowledge acquired, I now grasp deeper truths and can explain them with clarity. Now, I believe I can serve in any capacity as far as ministry work is concerned.“
BEDI KINGDOM TORGBADZA

One of the greatest joys of our sponsorship program is seeing students return to serve the very communities that nurtured their growth. Two of our students are doing just that – bringing their newly acquired skills and passion back to Leyaata Hospital to make a real difference.

Making Every Moment Count

Philomina, a midwifery student, is gaining hands-on experience in Leyaata’s maternity unit—an opportunity she values as both learning and serving.


“The knowledge I have gained is already helping me to serve better. Even the little things I do, comforting a mother and assisting in delivery are making a difference. It’s also helping me grow in skill and confidence as a student midwife.”
PHILOMINA

A Student Lab Scientist Giving Back

Mary Awuni, a third-year Medical Laboratory Science student, spends her holidays serving in Leyaata’s lab. For her, it’s more than a job—it’s a calling.


“Coming back here to serve is my way of helping others and giving back to the community that supported me. I know I can make a real impact on people’s lives  through my work.”

MARY  AWUNI

Mary’s dedication is already making a difference, ensuring accurate diagnoses and contributing to the quality of patient care.

LEYAATA HOSTS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT SHORT COURSE

In August, Leyaata Hospital proudly hosted the Quality Improvement (QI) Short Course, co-created and co-delivered by the University of Toronto’s Department of Family and Community Medicine (DFCM) and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana.

Twenty health professionals from across Ghana — including four senior members of the Leyaata team — participated in this intensive program. The course was designed to empower healthcare leaders and managers with practical tools to strengthen service delivery and improve clinical outcomes. Through hands-on learning, participants practiced identifying priority challenges, developing action plans, implementing solutions, and evaluating results, while building a culture of continuous improvement.

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO AND KNUST LEADERSHIP WITH LEYAATA TEAM

We’ve been reminded that quality improvement in healthcare is not a destination, but a continuous journey. As we conclude this training, we leave empowered with practical tools to identify quality gaps and to chart effective roadmaps for addressing them.

on behalf of the Leyaata QI Team:
Moses, Thecla & Emmanuel

Over the last three years, local health facilities in Ghana have benefitted from the QI short course. Implemented by the University of Toronto and KNUST under the Africa Health Collaborative in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, quality isn’t just a buzzword in Ghana’s health sector now, it’s becoming our baseline. This QI short course is like planting quality seeds in rocky soil, and now we’re seeing green shoots in places long written off. For CHAG facilities in remote districts, including Leyaata Hospital, we’re not just improving care, we’re rewriting the narrative. Sharper skills, stronger systems, and international recognition are no longer distant goals, they’re measurable outcomes we can celebrate.

DR. JAMES DUAH
Deputy Executive Director
Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG)

This partnership reflects the heart of our mission — to equip health professionals with the knowledge and skills to teach and to serve. When we invest in leadership and quality, we multiply impact across communities.

DR. JENNIFER WILSON
Director of International Partnerships at Leyaata Hospital and Faculty Lead for the University of Toronto – KNUST collaboration under the Africa Health Collaborative, supported by the Mastercard Foundation

By hosting this national training, Leyaata not only strengthened its own capacity but also created a platform for shared learning that extends across the country.

Commissioned for mission

In September, two new churches in Tahiru Akura and Nchiraa were officially commissioned. The ceremonies celebrated these spaces as centers for worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth. These newly built churches will strengthen local communities, providing places for teaching, prayer, and service.

TAHIRU AKURA CHURCH

NCHIRAA CHURCH

message from our board chair

Each story in this Impact Updates reflects God’s faithfulness through your prayers and support. From students pursuing their studies to communities gathering in new places of worship, we see how lives are being equipped and empowered for lasting impact.

Your partnership has strengthened education, healthcare, and ministry—reminding us that every gift, prayer, and act of service matters.

As we enter the final quarter of the year, my heart is filled with gratitude. Your faithfulness continues to transform lives across Ghana. Yet rising tariffs and economic instability have created serious challenges – especially in meeting essential operating costs. As we look toward the end of 2025, we face a critical shortfall.

With humility, I ask for your continued prayers and support. Whatever you can give is deeply appreciated.

With hope and gratitude,

DAVID BUTCHER

GRID Chairman

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GRID & NEA IMPACT UPDATES (JUNE – JULY 2025)

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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

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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:

1000

women enabled to meet basic needs through various income-generating activities

750

additional women provided with peanuts and mentoring by established co-operatives

60

young women enabled to complete tertiary education

40

communities reached
20 from Savannah Region
20 from Bono East Region

68,092

indirect beneficiaries from the 40 communities where the co-operatives are located

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

2

church buildings completed and commissioned

2

scholarships provided for Bible College students

272

men and women attended the Christmas Convention; Theme: Growing Together in Faith & Service

315

youth attended the Youth Conference
Theme: Raising Changemakers

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

46

snake bites treated

650

babies delivered

733

surgeries performed

41,289

patients treated

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/

GRID & NEA IMPACT UPDATES (NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2024)

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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.

” I am thrilled to partner with the Leyaata Hospital team to open the hypertension clinic, a crucial step in tackling the growing burden of hypertension in this region. This collaboration strengthens local health systems and highlights the transformative impact of co-produced interventions. Together, we are restoring hope and advancing toward a healthier future for all in Ghana.” – Sandra Peniston 

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

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GRID & NEA IMPACT UPDATES (AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 2024)

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“Indeed, our lives are guided by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7

As we reflect on our journey together and look forward to the future, we are reminded that it is our unwavering faith that guides and sustains us. Through faith, we have achieved remarkable milestones, touched countless lives, and laid the groundwork for continued growth and impact.

We are blessed by the remarkable leadership that has guided GRID & NEA over the past four decades.

In this update, we honour the invaluable contributions of our GRID Chairman, Jacques Lapointe and our Treasurer, Paul Lapointe, whose leadership and dedication have been instrumental in guiding our mission.

Jacques first joined GRID’s leadership team as Secretary, then Treasurer, and finally served as Chairman of the Board for 15 years. During his tenure, Jacques also took on the daunting task of leading the Leyaata Hospital Fundraising Campaign, guiding this remarkable project to its successful completion and opening.

We are grateful for all the time, thought and effort he has invested in advancing GRID & NEA’s mission of addressing poverty in Christ’s name in Northern Ghana. So much of what he has done was unseen yet so vital to the smooth running of the organization and in compliance with ever-changing Canadian Government regulations for charities.

We also extend our sincere thanks to his wife Brigitte, who served alongside Jacques on the GRID board throughout these years. The children of Carpenter would certainly want us to especially commend you for the bountiful supply of candies they received from your hands.

We will treasure the memories of Jacques and Brigitte’s visits to Ghana on several occasions, particularly in arriving early to help prepare for the arrival of many medical teams and then working as key members of the ‘eye team’ on these missions. That alone is a badge of honour since the eye teams were always in the hottest clinical locations with blackened out windows and little/no airflow!

Jacques and Briggite Lapointe during their visit at Asampu Primary School's commissioning in 2005.

We equally extend our sincere thanks to Paul Lapointe for the many years he served as both Treasurer and bookkeeper for GRID. Audits were always smooth under his leadership. During his tenure, he introduced several new programs to make the work more efficient and was always GRID’s go-to expert for any IT issues. Administrative work is often overlooked and underappreciated, but we are very grateful for the countless hours Paul has invested into ensuring that GRID’s books, systems, and financial reporting were flawless.

PAUL LAPOINTE

Jacques, Brigitte, and Paul, you have given generously of your time, your talents and your treasure through your faithful service and hundreds of thousands of lives have been and will continue to be, impacted for good as a result. Your efforts have laid a strong foundation for us to build upon. As you pass the baton, we honour your legacy. May God bless you abundantly in the days ahead.

GRID, NEA, and those whose lives you have touched.

“GRID and NEA together have done and continue to do great work in northern Ghana in addressing the many facets of poverty in a sustainable manner. To have been deeply involved in this work for several decades has been a real privilege. We have seen the work grow in both capacity and capability from the early years of digging wells by hand through to establishing multiple schools and churches and poverty alleviating projects to the more recent building of a new hospital complex like none other in rural Ghana. People’s commitment and the Lord’s guidance and favour are visible wherever you look on both sides of the ocean. Yet, there is so much left to do. GRID and NEA are directly involved in 160 communities with a population of 200,000 in their current catchment. Some of the villages in the outlying areas are still waiting for clean water, let alone other necessities of life. With this in mind and with other major projects, like the hospital, having been completed, the timing seemed right for GRID to transition to fresh leadership that will provide new energy for the next phase of the work.

As we move to the sidelines in our later years, our interest in the success of what comes next will surely be there. My thanks to our board for giving me the privilege of leadership. It has been a team effort. Thanks also to David and Brenda Mensah for their vision and ongoing commitment to this extraordinary endeavour that they started forty years ago. And to our GRID partners who have a great part in making all of this a reality, please continue to look favourably on this work. Our prayers go to all those who continue after us.” – JACQUES LAPOINTE

STRENGTHENING OUR MISSION

Our ongoing programs and projects stand as a testament to the impact of our mission. Each initiative is designed to uplift and empower people and communities, fostering sustainable development and hope for the future.

In February, 105 members of the Northern Christian Chief’s Association (NCCA) gathered joyfully in Carpenter. Despite having over 250 members, accommodation was limited as two NEA dormitories are currently occupied by hospital staff awaiting the completion of the new staff quarters. The organization’s growth was evident, with several new chiefs attending after older members graciously yielded their spots. These chiefs continue to be beacons of peace and stability, especially along Ghana’s northern border. Among the conference topics was the formation of a group for Christian Queen Mothers (this is a hereditary leadership role in most communities) who are Christians to also be joined together as a group for mutual encouragement and training. As we plan for the future, we look forward to seeing the NCCA grow in numbers and impact.

In March, we shared the urgent need to raise funds to cover the shortfall necessary for Leyaata Hospital to achieve self-sustainability by the end of 2025. We are truly in awe of your remarkable response. Thanks to your very generous contributions, we have successfully raised the funds needed. Leyaata Hospital, a beacon of hope and healing, will continue providing compassionate and excellent care and essential medical services.

Church continues to flourish, with new church buildings being built, congregations established, scholarships provided to students pursuing Bible College and pastors equipped with motorbikes to serve their congregations.

Pastors gratefully receive their motorbikes, which will help them easily visit the communities they serve and attend meetings, prayer sessions, and trainings at the NEA site.

Last April, Dr. David Mensah joyfully announced to the Janga community that a new dormitory would be constructed for their girls. This news was met with overwhelming excitement, especially from the girls, who eagerly anticipate the safe and supportive environment it will provide for their education.

Janga girls are full of smiles as they receive great news from  Dr. David Mensah.

On July 30, 2024, Leyaata Hospital successfully performed its first fistula surgery. The patient, a 52-year-old woman who had undergone a surgery to remove her womb at another hospital a year prior, began experiencing urinary leakage. Upon her arrival at Leyaata Hospital, a thorough examination led to her being scheduled for surgery. The operation, which lasted three and a half hours, revealed that her ureter had been accidentally sutured to a part of her vagina, causing the fistula. Dr. Ben and his team successfully corrected the issue. The patient expressed deep gratitude for the care, encouragement, and prayers she received from the Leyaata Hospital team.

Dr. Ben and Surgical Team
Dr. Ben celebrates the successful fistula operation with the patient and her husband.
AMANDA OFOLIORKOR ARYEE

“I bring you warm greetings from Carpenter. My name is Amanda Ofoliorkor Aryee and I am the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Leyaata Hospital. I thank God for the opportunity to serve as the CEO and I look forward to sharing some miracles and rescues that take place in Leyaata Hospital with the GRID partners. Every life counts, and everyone deserves the best quality of care irrespective of cost and location. Leyaata Hospital has been and continues to be a safe haven for thousands of people in and around the Savannah region of Ghana. We pray for strength to continue to work diligently as unto God, to bring smiles on the faces of our patients and joy in their hearts. As we forge ahead into the future, we imbibe the wisdom, embrace the guidance and navigate the paths of our founders into a brighter Leyaata. Indeed, our God rescues, and we look forward to more rescues in years to come.”

Access to clean water is essential, and our current initiative involves installing a new well in Carpenter. Given the community’s growth, an additional well has become necessary. We are deeply grateful to a generous donor whose support has made this project possible.

Babanayaa: Someday they will see that we have changed!

The Babanayaa Women’s Project is entering its final year. Recently, a crucial meeting convened with key stakeholders including women cooperative leaders, scholarship recipients, chiefs, opinion leaders, as well as officials from Regional and District Directorates of Cooperatives, Agriculture Directors, and the NEA leadership team. Discussions centred on lessons learned from the project, its impact on communities and individuals, and considerations for retaining successful elements while integrating new components for Phase 2. These insights are being carefully reviewed, hoping to submit a compelling proposal that extends benefits to more communities in the years ahead.

The Babanayaa Project team delivered a presentation providing an overview of the project from its inception to the present. Participants were impressed by the project’s achievements over the past few years, including:

1,000 direct female beneficiaries

60 female scholarship recipients

1,500 goats provided to 30 cooperatives

40 cooperatives established

80 motorbikes distributed

40 peanut shellers distributed

The Babanayaa Project staff and stakeholders met to strategize for the project's long-term sustainability.
New co-op members receive training from an extension officer.

Each of these projects and programs is a step forward in our journey together of transforming people and transforming communities.

VISION FOR GROWTH

Looking to the future, we are filled with hope and determination to continue building on our successes. As we embark on this new chapter, we are excited to welcome David Butcher as our incoming Chairman and Tim Bayless as our interim Treasurer. 

TIM BAYLESS

Tim and his wife, Kathy, have been deeply committed partners of GRID and NEA since 1987. Their dedication to the mission led them both to travel to Ghana, where they witnessed firsthand the impact of the work they have been championing for decades. Tim has been a pivotal member of GRID’s board since 2009. In addition to his work with GRID, he has held significant roles in church leadership, including serving as a Board of Elders member and Treasurer at Christ Community Church in Bloomington, Indiana. Tim and Kathy’s commitment to both GRID and their church community reflects their deep faith and desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, both locally and globally.

DAVID BUTCHER

David Butcher is a retired development professional with a heart for missions, who has held senior fundraising positions with Crossroads, Teen Challenge, and Shepherd Village among others. David provided consulting help to GRID in that capacity for several years and has been instrumental in connecting GRID to a number of organizations in the charitable world who have become friends and supporters of GRID.

Alongside his wife, Wende, David has actively contributed to various Christian ministries. They served as Executive Directors of Heart to Heart Marriage & Family Ministries for a number of years.

David and Wende have a sincere appreciation for all GRID & NEA has accomplished over the years and are dedicated to supporting its mission in any way they can.

“I have had the privilege over the past few years to be one of the GRID-NEA Board of Directors. I have watched as God has performed miracle after miracle in support of the new Leeyata Hospital that is serving over 200,000 people in 160 communities. His hand has been on this ministry devoted to serving the underprivileged people living in the Savannah region of Ghana from the beginning 40 years ago. The vision He has given us to continue this vital mission is beyond amazing and can only be done with the help of you, our faithful partners. I am honoured to transition into Chair as we follow His leading.” – DAVID BUTCHER

As we look ahead, our focus remains on continuous improvement and development. Guided by our mission, we are committed to making a lasting impact and transforming lives. Together, we will achieve new milestones, driven by faith, and motivated by Christ’s love.

As Isaiah 40:31 encourages us: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint."

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support and faith in our mission enable us to continue this impactful work!

TRIBUTE

ELLA PORTER

We express our deepest gratitude as we honour Ella Porter, who was called home to be with the Lord on August 5, 2024.

Ella’s legacy is a testament to her remarkable spirit and unwavering dedication. It was Ella who first reached out to Dr. David Mensah, inviting him to speak at the Women’s World Day of Prayer at Coldbrook Baptist Church, Nova Scotia, an event that became a pivotal moment for the Mensah Food and Orphanage Fund—a name she personally created to honour her vision, which was later renamed GRID.

Her foresight didn’t stop there. Ella’s initiative extended to coordinating with the local paper to raise awareness and mobilize contributions through local churches, all to support the crucial first shipment of food to Ghana.

Her efforts laid the groundwork for an ongoing impact that continues to benefit countless lives. Ella’s contributions have fostered a lasting connection between our community and the people of Ghana, ensuring that her legacy of compassion and action endures through all that has and continues to unfold in Ghana.

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Since 2007, dedicated health professional volunteers from Canada and the UK have been receiving tremendous support from their families, friends, colleagues, and communities. Last year, the team made two trips to provide training and mentorship to our Leyaata Hospital staff. More than 60 trainees received training in various departmental courses. In nine days, 90 surgeries were performed by the surgical team led by *Mr. Rob Hicks, 50 patients received dental care and the eye team treated 400 patients.

*in the UK, surgeons are referred to as Mr. not Dr.

” Through Ghana Health Partners, we’ve witnessed the transformative impact of hernia mesh repair on our patients. After training with lead surgeon Mr. Rob Hicks in November 2023, I transitioned from traditional methods to utilizing mesh. This evolution is mirrored by colleagues at Leyaata Hospital, sparking hope for expanded collaboration and opportunities for Ghanaian doctors.”

DR. BENJAMIN ASUBIOJO(MEDICAL DIRECTOR, LEYAATA HOSPITAL)

As we work towards sustainable development, we look to our deep connections and relationships with communities, partners, and most importantly with God!

In partnership with the Government of Canada, the Babanayaa Project was initially planned to help 750 women farmers. Fortunately, at the end of the third year, it was realized that the project budget could allow for an additional 250 women in ten new communities. Chiefs, Assembly members, Community-Based Surveillance Volunteers, and women leaders were tasked to select the beneficiaries based on the criteria given (women with many children – five or more, widows, and women whose husbands were incapacitated as a result of prolonged illness).

Janga, the first community GRID & NEA worked with, became sustainable in 2000. Last year, the need for a dormitory for the many female students walking 6 km to and from school daily was presented. Our close connection with the community and local government officials made us aware of the need. Lodging at the school site will protect the students from the high risk of sexual assault and give them more time to study and excel. St. Paul’s Leaksdale (SPL) congregation responded swiftly and generously. They raised half the funds in December and challenged everyone to dig deeper. Before the end of February, they exceeded the $175K funds needed to build the dormitory.

“This kingdom project hit us all very hard – the injustice demanded a response from God’s people and they responded, indeed!”

DR. JENNIFER WILSON (SPL MISSIONS COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR)

Deep relationships with our church and Christian foundation partners made it possible to expand the Good News to many. Westney Heights Baptist Church has sponsored 13 Bible College scholarships. Uxbridge Baptist Church and Christ Community Church in Bloomington have been providing training to our local Ghanaian pastors. Last year, two more churches were built, and one more congregation was established.

Every year, we are so pleased to share with you what can and has been accomplished on a very modest budget. Thanks to the faithful giving and prayers of our partners and friends, and the effective work of our NEA colleagues, together, we are helping to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve in Ghana. This is the Lord’s work and has been the hallmark of our GRID-NEA partnership for 40 years.

It is quite unusual for us to point to a particular need, but this year … the Leyaata Hospital needs our help!

While we were able to complete the construction and equipping of the Leyaata Hospital debt-free, the extra cost of completing the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic did necessitate that we use some of the funds that were earmarked in our fundraising budget for the expected operating deficit during its first three years of operation. Just the thought of a new hospital becoming self-sustaining after three years, anywhere in the world, is almost unimaginable, but the Leyaata Hospital is well on its way to making this a reality.

The great news is that over 30% of operating expenses were provided by the hospital’s income-generating initiatives in 2023, its first year of operation. It realistically expects and is already well on its way to cover over 60% of its operating expenses in 2024 and 85% in 2025, the hospital’s third year of operation.

We need to raise $500K to make up the shortfall that will get us to self-sustainability by the end of 2025. We are asking especially those who have already contributed so much to the hospital capital campaign and to those who are now able to join in this to dig a little deeper one more time to make a reality of something thought impossible.

As always, we see our responsibility as bringing the needs to your attention. Now, it’s as the Lord would lead you. Thank You!

TRIBUTE – HAROLD EUGENE PAISLEY

Eugene was pivotal in launching GRID, visiting Ghana early on and then serving as one of the first board members. On February 5, 2024, he passed away peacefully with family by his side. We greatly appreciate Eugene’s commitment and contribution to the work in Ghana. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Paisley, Mensah and Weber families.

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https://grid-nea.org/2024/03/2023impactreport/

GRID & NEA IMPACT UPDATES (NOVEMBER 2023)

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This year marks a special anniversary for GRID & NEA. Forty years ago, Dr. David Mensah received a distressing letter from his family in Ghana telling him three family members had died of starvation. As a result, students and faculty at Acadia University in Nova Scotia, along with local churches, rallied together to raise funds to help the people in Ghana. These efforts were also carried on in Ontario by Dr. David’s father-in-law, Gene Paisley. The response to the devastating tragedy in Ghana was the beginning of The Mensah Food and Orphanage Fund, now known as GRID (Ghana Rural Integrated Development).

In June, the GRID leadership team gathered together to celebrate forty years of partnership between GRID & NEA. We are so grateful for the great things God has done through us and you, our faithful, generous partners and supporters for four decades.

GRID Leadership Team celebrating forty years anniversary of GRID & NEA’s partnership during the 2023 Annual General Meeting.

A stroll down memory lane allows us to see the impact we made together over forty years in Northern Ghana.

1983 – 1993

The Mensah Food and Orphanage Fund (later registered as GRID) was established with the help of Colbrook Baptist Church and the late Rev. Doulas Porter, GRID’s First Board Chairman.

In 1988, Partnership Africa Canada (the aid arm of the Government of Canada that preceded CIDA) approved a grant for the commencement of The Janga Project and additional grants over the next decade for activities to be scaled up.

The Mensahs moved to Ghana to implement the project. Work began in Janga with women’s peanut farming. Wells were dug, tomato farming tested, and many more development projects were initiated. The first volunteer team from Ontario Bible College (now Tyndale) came to help in Janga in 1992 and several groups of volunteers followed over the next years.

1994 – 2003

Conflict erupted in Northern Ghana. Dr. John Schram, the former Canadian High Commissioner asked Dr. David if he could assist in restoring peace in the area. Dr. David met with previously warring tribes to start a project together to reconstruct a local market. As challenging as it was, tribes that had been in conflict came together to complete the task.

Dr. John Schram with the chiefs.

Through advisory work for The Body Shop, Dr. David was instrumental in assisting the Tungteiya women’s shea butter cooperative to be managed effectively. To this day, 650 women continue to supply shea butter to Body Shop.

One of the members of the women’s shea butter cooperative.

After years of living out Christ’s love by providing basic needs (water, food, and help for the sick), the first church was established in Janga upon the invitation of the late Chief Sooh Naba.

As Janga achieved sustainability, we began to search for where we should work next. Bole District, one of the largest and poorest in Ghana, did not have any working NGOs. We targeted the Deg area, one of the poorest sections of the district. The local chief gave us land, and the Janga women’s co-op gave the Deg women’s co-op 60 bags of peanuts to start a farming program. The Carpenter Project was launched.

Although there were similarities between Janga and Carpenter, there were also a few differences. We had to emphasize environmental protection in Carpenter, as people burned trees to produce charcoal and fishermen used chemicals to catch fish. Over 600 volunteers formed the Nensom Environmental Watchdog group, who patrolled over 200 km of the Black Volta River to ensure that poison and illegal nets were not used in fishing.

Partners from Canada and US came to build schools and warehouses, teach at the local schools, and train Ghanaian pastors as churches grew.

2001 Carpenter School Build

During this decade, the Ghana Ministry of Food and Agriculture honoured NEA as the Best NGO in Northern Region.

1994 – 2003

They said growing fish in Northern Ghana couldn’t be done. Nevertheless, in 2004, the Carpenter Aquaculture program opened. The program addressed the need to provide people with the missing protein in their diets. The North Mo chiefs honored Dr. David and Brenda and they were enstooled as Chief and Queen Mother of Development of the North Mo tribe.

Fish harvest at the Carpenter fishpond.

This decade was a time of expansion. More wells were dug, co-ops increased, more schools were built, and farms expanded.

A medical mission was launched and the first medical team arrived in Carpenter in 2007. Thousands of people from over 50 villages came to the clinics. Many lives were saved, and many people were healed! The team met Dr. Kingsnorth, co-founder of Operation Hernia, on their flight to Ghana. It led to a partnership that has lasted more than a decade.

2008 Ghana Health Team Medical Mission

In 2008, Dr. David Mensah fell heir to a family chieftaincy title, paving the way for reaching out to area chiefs and steering the entire tribe.

Since 1998 CIDA (now Global Affairs Canada) has funded GRID development projects. In 2009, as we came to the close of a CIDA-supported project, a formal evaluation was launched. One of the recommendations was that CIDA should use GRID & NEA as a model for its other development initiatives. Leyaata Project was approved, which has reduced mother and infant mortality in 82 villages.

For several years, we desired to bring together the Christian Chiefs who were scattered over the northern half of the country. In 2010, this became a reality. Over 120 chiefs from 13 tribes came (this organization has since grown to over 250 Christian chiefs). Carpenter has become their ‘Jerusalem.’

The church continues to expand, and the first Pastors’ Conference happened in 2011, with 75 pastors and church leaders from 35 established congregations attending.

2011 Pastors’ Conference

2014 – 2023

It’s a decade of challenges and celebrations. We started with the devastating news of an Ebola outbreak, giving birth to a strong desire for sustainable, quality health care of a model hospital in the Northern Region of Ghana. A team from the Engineering Ministries International (eMi) came to conduct a feasibility study.

Then, we celebrated as the Mensahs received the 2015 Millenium Peace Award. In the same year, the Carpenter Hospital campaign was launched, GRID USA was established, and the Leyaata Ane Project – extending the program to 80 more communities – commenced. In 2018, we collaborated with the Government of Ghana in supplying 2M fingerlings for the entire Northern Region.

Together, in 2019, we crossed the fundraising finish line for construction of the Leyaata Hospital in Carpenter. And then Covid happened. Amid the crisis, we saw sustainability at work! With various income-generating projects, NEA was able to provide food and income to its staff, their families and the communities we serve. And your generosity was astounding!

In 2021, Leyaata Ane finished and Babanaya Project began – improving the well-being of women and girls in 30 communities. NEA was awarded as the Region’s Best Fisher. Then, in 2022, we celebrated the grand opening of the Leyaata Hospital. Many build projects were completed at the same time, such as the Carpenter Church, dormitory, other churches, dams, wells, KVIPs, etc.

2024 – – – Looking Ahead

by: Jacques Lapointe

Scripture encourages us to make plans because the Lord will order our steps. So, as we look ahead and upward for direction, we hold fast to this principle of dependence on the Lord in all aspects of our work and planning.

As we look ahead to 2024 and beyond, here is how we see the way forward. Continuing to establish the Leyaata Hospital as a model is a top priority. In its first year of operation much has been accomplished and we continue to build on this. Ghana Health Partners is a team of seasoned professionals from Canada and the UK who have worked closely with the excellent team at the hospital toward establishing its excellence. Construction of the new junior staff housing will be a great encouragement to those who have been patiently waiting for improved accommodations.

NEA has identified new projects and programs in agriculture, aquaculture, education and several others. These creative, astute plans build on what has been accomplished already in these areas. These represent a quantum leap forward in sustainably meeting needs. As resources permit, we will continue to expand our reach with the Good News.

The vison for new opportunities is clear. As always, the need rests with you, our generous donors, as the final piece to make the future as bright as the past.

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GRID & NEA IMPACT UPDATES (SEPTEMBER 2023)

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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!

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