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GRID and NEA News

GRID & NEA IMPACT UPDATES (OCTOBER 2026)

2026/10/10 By GRID Leave a Comment




As we celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada, we give thanks for the privilege of joining God in His work across Northern Ghana.

Behind every project is a person, every number is a story, and every accomplishment reflects a community, a partner, and a faithful God.

Recently, Fordjour Andrews, an NEA-sponsored student, returned to the NEA site with his mother—not to ask for anything, but simply to say thank you. Their visit echoes the biblical story of the leper who returned to thank Jesus after being healed.

Andrews is now a 2026 Bachelor of Science in Biological Science graduate of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). For his mother, this achievement represents a dream fulfilled and a source of immense joy and pride.

With heartfelt gratitude, she shared:

“Through your sponsorship, I now have a son who is a graduate and I am very happy.”

Her words remind us that educational sponsorship is about more than paying school fees—it is about opening doors, nurturing potential, and bringing hope to families.

Andrews first came seeking sponsorship; he returned as a graduate, with his mother carrying a message of gratitude. A powerful reminder of the lasting impact of your generosity.

Fordjour Andrews with his mom.

At the heart of it all is the love of Christ, motivating us to serve with compassion and hope.

These are their stories. Together, they are our shared impact.

Shalom,




Emmanuela Yaageeka Gyinde

Emmanuela Yaageeka Gyinde



Minwaboen Johnson Tamakloe



Prudence Jimah proudly receives the Outstanding Course Representative of the Year Award in recognition of her leadership and dedication.


“Coming from a farming family, the scholarship from the Northern Empowerment Association has been a great relief to me and my family. It has helped reduce the financial burden of my education and allowed me to focus more on my studies, leadership, and personal development.

Throughout my university journey, I have also had opportunities to serve and grow as a leader. I served as the Departmental Member of Parliament for the Agricultural and Bioresource Engineering Student Association at University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani, where I was able to contribute to student leadership and advocacy. I have also been involved in other leadership and community activities that have helped me develop skills and a greater sense of responsibility toward others.

The support I received from NEA has encouraged me to work harder and believe that my dreams are possible. Knowing that someone believed in my potential has motivated me to make the most of the opportunity I was given.

I sincerely thank the Northern Empowerment Association and its sponsors for believing in me and investing in my education. By God’s grace, I will continue to work hard and use my education in Agricultural Engineering to make a positive impact in agriculture and in my community.”

avatar

Oyontey Nelson

Bsc. Agricultural Engineering Student (Scholarship Recipient)

300 youth gathered together for their annual Youth Conference. We thank Him for the fellowship shared, the lives touched, and the opportunities to encourage and equip the next generation.


New farm equipment is helping farmers across several communities prepare their fields more efficiently and make the most of the planting season.

In Teselima, farmer Habiba Salifu benefited from the ploughing services, helping her cultivate a bountiful harvest of peanuts. For Habiba and her family, a good harvest means more than food—it helps provide for their household needs and strengthens their livelihood.

With support that reaches the farm, families like Habiba’s are better equipped to provide for today and build toward a more secure future.

Habiba Salifu with her bountiful peanut harvest.


Two years ago, a newborn arrived at Leyaata Hospital with a rare skin condition requiring specialized care. With expert treatment and close monitoring, the baby’s skin transformed beautifully within a week. Without appropriate medical care, the condition could have placed his life at serious risk. Today, nearly two years later, he is growing beautifully, and the hospital team continues to monitor his well-being. We praise God for preserving this precious life.

Two Years Ago

Today

One child. One life preserved. One story that reminds us why compassionate healthcare matters.


Three lives are receiving vital support. Sophia, a young woman caring for her parents, received help to begin a sewing livelihood. A young man is receiving support toward a prosthetic arm, while another is receiving assistance for an emergency hip replacement surgery.

Through your generosity, people facing difficult circumstances are finding practical help, renewed hope, and the opportunity to move forward.

Sophia Nsoah


Lasting change begins with relationships. For decades, GRID & NEA have served alongside communities through listening, collaboration, and mutual trust. This means more than implementing programs—it means being present, equipping local leaders, listening to challenges, and walking alongside people as they seek better health and stronger communities.

Through the Wi Songla Project, NEA (Northern Empowerment Association) partners with Hope Rises International (formerly the American Leprosy Mission), local pastors, and women leaders to reduce stigma, identify people affected by Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), and connect them with the care and support they need. This commitment to relationship-centered care continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people affected by NTDs.

During the fourth quarter, project teams and Agents of Change made 15 field visits to communities, health workers, and people affected by NTDs. These visits were more than monitoring activities. They created opportunities to listen, understand challenges, follow up with patients, and work together to find solutions.


Trust in Action

Local pastors, women leaders, health workers, and Agents of Change are helping carry NTD awareness into the places where people live, learn, worship, and gather.

Through 22 community, school, and church outreach activities, 3,035 people received information about NTD prevention, early detection, treatment, and referral. And when people were identified as needing care, the relationship did not end with a referral.

Six suspected cases were referred for medical assessment. Five were confirmed as NTDs. Patients received treatment, counselling, prayer, follow-up care, and support to access additional medical services when needed.

For those facing more complex conditions, the project continued to walk alongside them. Four patients received support toward specialized surgical care, including hydrocele and Buruli ulcer cases. Wound-care kits were also provided to help patients manage their conditions safely and continue their recovery at home.


More Than Medical Care

For the Wi Songla Project, caring for people means caring for the whole person.
All five confirmed NTD patients received spiritual support through prayer and counselling during the quarter—offering encouragement, restoring hope, and reminding individuals that they are valued by their communities.

This is what trust looks like:

Listening. Showing up. Following through.

It means building relationships strong enough that people feel safe to seek help, communities are equipped to respond, and patients know they do not have to face their journey alone.


The Impact of Walking Together

The numbers tell part of the story:

15 field visits
22 awareness activities
3,035 people reached
6 suspected cases referred
5 NTD cases confirmed
4 patients supported toward surgical care
5 patients receiving spiritual support

But behind every number is a person—and behind every person is a story.

Trust is not simply part of how we work. It is how lasting change begins.

Community training to address the problem of neglected tropical diseases ongoing in 90 communities.


At just 26, Mamoud Fuseina had already taken an important step toward fulfilling her dream. After graduating from college with a qualification in Disease Control, she hoped to serve her community by helping prevent diseases and protect the health of vulnerable people.

Then, an unexpected diagnosis threatened to change everything.

Fuseina developed an advanced case of Buruli ulcer, a neglected tropical disease that caused severe damage to her skin and underlying tissue. Following a thorough medical assessment, clinicians determined that reconstructive surgery would be needed to repair the affected area.

For Fuseina and her family, the news was devastating. Her parents are subsistence farmers who work hard to provide for their family, and the cost of surgery was far beyond their means. Without support, Fuseina’s recovery—and the future she had worked so hard to build—was uncertain.

That is when the Wi Songla Project, a joint project with Hope Rises International (formerly the American Leprosy Mission), stepped in.

Recognizing the urgency of her condition and the financial hardship facing her family, the project committed to covering the cost of her reconstructive surgery. For Fuseina, this support brought renewed hope and the possibility of moving forward with treatment.

During routine pre-operative assessments, however, doctors discovered that Fuseina was anaemic. Proceeding with surgery at that time would have posed additional risks, so the medical team began appropriate treatment to improve her blood levels before the operation could safely take place.

Although the surgery had to be postponed, Fuseina was not left to face the challenge alone. With the financial burden lifted and a treatment plan in place, she could focus on regaining her strength and preparing for the procedure ahead.

Through it all, Fuseina has held on to her dream of making a difference. Having experienced firsthand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges of living with a neglected tropical disease, she hopes to use her training in Disease Control to help others facing similar struggles. She wants her journey to encourage patients not to lose hope and remind communities of the importance of seeking treatment early, before diseases become disabling.

Fuseina’s journey reminds us that healthcare support is about more than treating illness. It is about protecting dignity, restoring hope, and helping people reclaim the future they have worked so hard to build.

Through the Wi Songla Project, Fuseina has renewed hope for her own future—and a stronger determination to help others find theirs.

Mamoud Fuseina



Your prayers, generosity, encouragement, and partnership make it possible for these stories to continue.

And there are still more stories waiting to be written.

More students to equip.

More patients to care for.

More farmers to support.

More young people to encourage.

More leaders to strengthen.

More communities to serve.

More lives to reach with the love of Christ.

PRAY • GIVE • SHARE • PARTNER

Every prayer matters. Every gift matters. Every partnership matters.


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Filed Under: GRID and NEA News

GRID & NEA IMPACT UPDATES (JULY – AUGUST 2026)

2026/07/31 By GRID

God’s faithfulness endures, and His presence brings life and hope.

Reflecting on Philippians 2:13, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.” I am encouraged by how this is lived out through your partnership with GRID. Your prayers and generosity strengthen the ministry of Northern Empowerment Association (NEA) as we serve communities across Northern Ghana.

Together, we are sharing Christ’s love through word and action. Patients receive life-changing care, church leaders are equipped, and communities are strengthened. Every milestone reflects His faithfulness and our shared impact.

I hope you will be encouraged and inspired as you read these updates. Paul’s words continue to be fulfilled through your faithful partnership. May God continue to bless you and the work He has entrusted to all of us.

By God’s grace,



Strengthening Leaders to Strengthen the Church

More than 150 pastors, elders, and their spouses gathered for this year’s Pastors, Elders, and Spouses Conference for a time of biblical teaching, leadership development, fellowship, and encouragement.

The conference was also a special occasion to celebrate God’s work in raising up leaders within the church. Several pastors were commissioned into new leadership roles, including Overseeing Pastors, Bishops, and Apostles, recognizing their faithful service and equipping them to provide spiritual leadership and mentorship across multiple congregations.

We also celebrate Bedi Kingdom and Bregya Richard, who successfully completed their two-year Bible College program, preparing them for continued ministry and service.

Bedi Kingdom (left) and Bregya Richard (right)

By investing in pastors and church leaders, local congregations across Northern Ghana are being strengthened to disciple believers, care for their communities, and continue sharing the hope of the Gospel.


Church Building Progress: Growing with the Communities They Serve

Construction continues to move forward on the Chaara and Jama church buildings, with both projects reaching the roofing stage in May. This important milestone brings each congregation one step closer to having a permanent place to worship, grow in faith, and serve their communities.

Chaara Church Building

Designed to accommodate 150 people, the new church building in Chaara represents more than bricks and mortar—it is the fulfillment of a vision that began over 20 years ago.

Chaara, a community of approximately 2,000 people, was first reached by ECAC during an outreach program in 2004. On the evening of the evangelistic meeting, strong winds signalled an approaching rainstorm in the middle of the dry season. Before speaking, Dr. David Mensah prayed that God would hold back the rain so the message of Christ could be shared. By the end of the evening, many people – including the town chief had placed their faith in Christ.

After the meeting concluded, Dr. Mensah thanked God for holding back the rain and prayed that the much-needed rainfall would come. That night, after the team had returned to their lodging, a heavy downpour began. The next day, villagers were heard saying, “Their God is very powerful. They asked their God to stop the rain, and He did. Then they asked their God to let the rain come, and He did.” This remarkable testimony encouraged many more people to put their trust in Christ.

Today, the congregation has grown to about 80 believers who have faithfully worshipped in the local primary school while patiently waiting for a permanent church home. With the roof now completed, that long-awaited dream is becoming a reality.

Jama Church Building

In the nearby community of Jama, home to approximately 6,000 people, construction is also progressing well. The new church will accommodate about 250 people, providing much-needed space for a growing congregation.

Established in the 1990s, the Jama congregation now includes about 170 members and is overseen by one of ECAC’s senior pastors. As the surrounding community has grown—largely due to development associated with the nearby Bui Dam—the church has outgrown the building constructed in 2004.

The new church will provide a larger, welcoming space where the congregation can continue worshipping, discipling believers, and serving the expanding community for years to come.

Together, these projects are creating lasting places where faith can flourish, communities can gather, and future generations can encounter the hope of Christ.


Strengthening Livelihoods Through Agriculture

This planting season is bringing renewed hope to farming communities across Northern Ghana. Thanks to the addition of a tractor, planter, slasher, and sprayer, farmers now have access to equipment that helps them prepare their fields more efficiently, plant on time, and improve crop management throughout the growing season.

TRACTOR
PLANTER
SLASHER
SPRAYER

As of the end of June, 70 acres of farmland have been prepared for approximately 50 farmers, including 35 women. By reducing the time and labour required for land preparation and planting, this equipment is helping farming families increase food production, strengthen their livelihoods, and build greater resilience.

Our agricultural team has also experienced a safe and productive season, completing the majority of the fieldwork without major breakdowns, accidents, or incidents. Combined with timely and consistent rainfall, these efforts have created favourable conditions for planting and have given farmers renewed confidence as they look ahead to the harvest.

As crops continue to grow, we remain hopeful for a healthy and abundant harvest that will improve food security and support families and communities across Northern Ghana.


Compassionate Care, Every Day

Every day at Leyaata Hospital, lives are being transformed through compassionate, quality healthcare. Since opening its doors, the hospital has now provided care to more than 85,840 patients, meeting a wide range of medical needs while continuing to navigate the ongoing operational resources required to sustain these essential services.

Behind every number is a person, a family, and a story of hope.

This season brought a joyful milestone as our dedicated midwives safely delivered healthy triplet boys at 36 weeks and 5 days, celebrating the gift of new life and the skilled care provided by our maternity team.

The healthy triplet boys at birth.

The triplets with their proud parents at their six-week check-up.

Through the faithful generosity of a donor, specialized treatment was made available to patients recovering from serious injuries.

Emmanuel, an electrician, received life-changing surgical care after a motorking accident that resulted in the loss of one arm and severe injuries to the other. He is now recovering through physiotherapy.

Emmanuel

Following a serious electrical accident that severely injured his leg, apprentice electrician Iddrisu received specialized medical care, including skin graft surgery, giving him the opportunity to continue his recovery.

Iddrisu

These stories reflect the dedication of the hospital’s medical team and the vital role Leyaata Hospital plays in providing accessible, life-changing healthcare for communities across Northern Ghana.

As the hospital continues to grow, so does the need for ongoing operational support. Every patient treated, every surgery performed, and every life welcomed into the world is made possible through the faithful partnership of individuals, churches, and organizations who share in this mission of bringing hope and healing.

Lab Team (from left to right) Luke Tweneboah Koduah, Derrick Narh, Sulley Julius, Angelina Kantam, Moses Amoah (Lab Manager), Richmond Angkyier, Dr. Salifu Suabiratu Gado, Samuel Kalibi, and Amos Atta Tachie

We are pleased to welcome Bruce Reilly to the GRID Canada Board of Directors as our new Treasurer.

Bruce Reilly is the Managing Partner of Reilly Back LLP and brings nearly four decades of experience in accounting, finance, and governance. Throughout his career, he has provided strategic financial leadership to both charitable organizations and publicly listed companies, combining professional expertise with a genuine commitment to serving others. Bruce is passionate about advancing the gospel through his involvement in his local church and by supporting organizations like GRID, whose mission is to share the love of Christ through meaningful, sustainable impact.

We are grateful for the wisdom, experience, and leadership Bruce brings to GRID as we continue advancing our mission and creating lasting impact in the communities we serve.

At the same time, we extend our sincere appreciation to Tim Bayless for his faithful service as Treasurer. Tim’s commitment, stewardship, and dedication have been a tremendous blessing to GRID, and we are deeply grateful for the time and expertise he has generously shared over the years.

Tim and his wife, Kathy, serving together during a 2004 medical mission trip to Ghana.

Tim was joyfully baptized during their visit to Bamboi.

Please join us in welcoming Bruce and thanking Tim for their faithful service to our mission.

As we gathered for our Annual General Meeting and Board Meeting in June, we reflected with gratitude on God’s faithfulness throughout the past year.

Each story of impact reminds us what is possible through shared purpose, wise stewardship, faithful partnership, and a commitment to serving communities in Northern Ghana.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to strengthening local leadership, expanding access to quality healthcare, supporting education, improving food security, and investing in sustainable community development.

The updates throughout these pages reflect meaningful progress and even greater impact ahead.


Thank you for your generosity, prayers, and partnership. Together, we are transforming lives and strengthening communities.


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Filed Under: GRID and NEA News

2026/04/02 By GRID

Introducing our new Board Chair and his vision for the mission ahead.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Charles Peniston as our new Board Chair. A highly respected cardiovascular surgeon with over 30 years of experience, he has a strong commitment to global health, supported by his Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene from the University of Glasgow.

Dr. Peniston serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, is a committed elder at St. Paul’s Leaskdale, and has previously held leadership roles with Heart Valve Voice Canada and Southlake’s cardiac program. Since 2009, he has faithfully served in medical missions in Northern Ghana and is a founding member of Ghana Health Partners, partnering with Leyaata Hospital to strengthen healthcare through teaching and service.

We are grateful for his willingness to serve and confident that his wisdom, experience, and heart for Christ-centered service will be a great blessing.


message from our board chair

Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28

The partnership between GRID and NEA continues to flourish, as reflected throughout this report. By God’s grace, meaningful and transformative work is taking place, impacting lives in profound ways. It is truly inspiring to witness what is being accomplished through the work of the Holy Spirit in collaboration with the people of the Savannah Region in Northern Ghana, alongside the dedicated members of GRID.

As you read on, you will see that the impact of GRID and NEA is both wide-reaching and deeply effective.

This year, our primary focus remains on capacity building—through the continued support of Leyaata Hospital and the development of the Leyaata Education & Research Network (LEARN) Centre.

Leyaata Hospital continues to experience steady growth in both the number of patients served and the range of services offered. Equally significant is the exceptional quality of care being delivered, which extends beyond the hospital into surrounding communities. The construction of the LEARN Centre will establish a modern learning environment for healthcare providers. With enhanced opportunities for simulation-based training, improved connectivity, and greater access to knowledge resources, this facility will play a transformative role in healthcare education in Carpenter, Ghana, and beyond.

We invite you to read this report with a sense of encouragement and inspiration.

Sincerely,


FORWARD THROUGH EVERY SEASON

What God has begun, He continues to sustain and advance.

Over the past two years, we have walked through meaningful transitions. Yet through every change, one truth has remained steady: the calling God has placed before us has not changed.

Motivated by the love of Christ and strengthened by faithful partners like you, pastors continue to be equipped, communities are being served, and lives in Northern Ghana are being transformed. Through every season, the mission continues.

impact in action

EMPOWERING WOMEN

Shea butter production for The Body Shop continues to directly support 650 women in northern Ghana. In 2025, these women processed 233,320 kg of shea butter. NEA continues to coordinate collection of the butter and transports it to the Tema port for onward shipment to The Body Shop. Indirectly this benefits their families and many other women who assist in gathering shea nuts.


Breaking BarRiers:

Bringing NTD Awareness to the Fulani Community

The Wi Songla Project marked a key milestone in combating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) by reaching the often underserved Fulani community through women’s leader, Fati Abdulai. Overcoming barriers, she shared culturally sensitive information on prevention, early treatment, and community action— creating space for questions, correcting misconceptions, and empowering families to protect their health. Many expressed appreciation for being included.


Christian Chiefs Leading in Peace

Since 2010, the last weekend of February has been dedicated to hosting the Northern Ghana Christian Chiefs Association’s annual conference. This year, 166 attendees gathered from 14 tribes and language groups. Many chiefs have faithfully attended year after year, and this year welcomed over 30 new Christian chiefs among them. These men are committed to leading with integrity, fostering and protecting peace, and serving as Christ’s ambassadors among other chiefs who have yet to know Him.


Raising a Generation of Purity and Purpose

Michael Nangor, one of our Bible School scholars, carries a powerful legacy of faith. His father, Pastor John, faithfully served as pastor of the Carpenter Church for many years before his passing, and Michael continues that legacy through his active service in the community.

During his recent school break, Michael organized a “Purity Conference” for youth, drawing over 360 students from surrounding communities. The event brought together pastors, medical professionals, and police to address growing concerns around drug use linked to illegal mining and to equip young people to pursue lives of purity and purpose.

On a Sunday following the conference, Michael shared a message of truth and encouragement during a regular church service at Carpenter, building on the momentum to inspire others to stand firm in their faith.

Michael’s heart for ministry and commitment to his generation are making a meaningful impact in Carpenter and beyond.



a home restored with joy!

Remember Lucy Daah? The widow with four school-aged children whose roof was destroyed in a storm last year? Earlier this month, she arrived at NEA dressed in her best, accompanied by three elders from her community, to say thank you in person.

As she shared her story, Lucy’s voice trembled, and tears streamed down her face. She recalled the moment the storm hit—the fear, the uncertainty, and the sudden spike in her blood pressure. “I didn’t know how we would manage,” she said softly. She had even asked a local shopkeeper for a loan to repair the damage, but when the extent of the destruction was assessed, it was clear it would be impossible for her to repay.

That is when she was referred to NEA, and a faithful partner provided funds to support urgent needs like this. Lucy’s roof was replaced, and her home—and her children—were safe once again. The relief and joy she felt were evident as she recounted the story.

Through her tears, Lucy expressed her profound gratitude:

Stories like Lucy’s remind us why this work matters: because with faithful partners, we can say yes when families need help most—and bring lasting joy to those we serve.


walking in faith as a chief

I thank Almighty God for this wonderful day and for the opportunity to be part of this program. As a new chief, this is my first time attending a gathering of Christian chiefs, and I am grateful to share my experience.

Before accepting the chieftaincy, I struggled with whether it was appropriate as a committed Christian. My pastor initially discouraged me because of traditional practices associated with leadership. However, I learned about the Northern Christian Chiefs Association, which supports Christian chiefs through prayer, guidance, and fellowship while upholding faith and values.

With this knowledge, my pastor reconsidered and gave me his blessing. Attending this program and engaging with other Christian chiefs has been enlightening and encouraging, showing me that it is possible to serve faithfully as a chief while remaining committed to God.

I am deeply grateful to God and the leaders of this association for creating such a platform. Without it, I may not have been able to accept this role while staying true to my faith. I pray that the association continues to grow and support many more Christian chiefs in the future.


Strengthening Food Security Through Thriving Agriculture

Agriculture programs are thriving. Cattle, sheep, goats, fish, pigs, rabbits, birds, (ostrich, emu, chickens, quail, guinea fowl, pigeons, turkeys, ducks, peacocks), mushrooms, vegetables are increasing food security in the area. Rains have just begun for the cropping season and NEA’s new tractor and farming equipment are ready to start land cultivation in the next weeks.


Queen Mothers Uniting for Community Transformation

In December 2025, Queen Mother Nendomaajeme II (Dr. Elizabeth Mensah-Bowler) convened 33 Queen Mothers from across the Mo Traditional Area to discuss key issues facing their communities and to reflect on how they can use their influence to bring positive change.

Queen Mothers are traditional leaders who work alongside chiefs, using their political and social influence to uphold community well-being, preserve cultural values, and guide local development. Stay tuned as these influential women work together to make a lasting impact in the Mo tribe and beyond!


WITH GRATITUDE FOR FAIThFUL LEADERSHIP

We are deeply grateful for the faithful leadership of David Butcher, whose dedication and servant heart led us through important seasons of growth and transition. Through his steadfast commitment to the mission, the work of equipping pastors, serving communities, and advancing life-changing programs in Northern Ghana has continued to move forward. We thank God for his faithful service and the lasting impact of his leadership.

a strong start TO 2026

As we step into 2026, God continues to open doors for service and impact.


ghana health partners

A team of 11 surgical, paediatric, and radiology partners trained and supported Leyaata Hospital staff in early March, completing 55 surgeries. NICU training reduced newborn referrals, enabling the hospital to care for its first baby born at 31 weeks gestation. Radiology and medical staff also gained skills to perform procedures that previously required surgery.


PACIFIC ACADEMY TEAM

If the school children were to share about this team, they would likely say their time here was far too short. Mornings were spent in the school, with teachers modelling engaging teaching methods and students offering support, while sports day and cultural day were highlights. In the afternoons, the team served across NEA’s work—gathering eggs, feeding fish, and supporting church youth programs. We are grateful for their impact in Carpenter and know this experience has also deeply impacted them.


Thank you for standing with us in faith and partnership. Together, the mission continues.

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https://grid-nea.org/2026/04/2025impactreport/

Filed Under: GRID and NEA News

GRID & NEA IMPACT UPDATES (DECEMBER 2025)

2025/12/14 By GRID

As we come to the close of another meaningful year, we pause with grateful hearts to reflect on the faithfulness of God that has carried us through every challenge, every victory, and every quiet moment in between. Month after month, we have witnessed His guidance, His protection, and His provision in ways both seen and unseen. Challenges have come, yet in every season, the Lord has renewed our strength and given us fresh hope to continue the work to which He has called us.

This final Impact Update of the year isn’t simply a collection of updates—it is a testimony to what God can do when His people join hands, pray boldly, and remain faithful in service. Each story shared within these pages reflects lives touched, communities strengthened, and the light of Christ shining in Northern Ghana. It also reflects you—your prayers, your partnership, and your willingness to stand with us as God continues to transform hearts and build His Kingdom.

As you read, may you be reminded that we do not finish this year in our own strength, but in the unfailing strength of the One who goes before us. And as we step into a new year, we do so with renewed hope, trusting that the God who sustained us in 2025 will lead us faithfully into all that is ahead.

“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 be faint.”— Isaiah 40:31

GHANA HEALTH Partners Update

BY: DR. JENNIFER WILSON, Director of International Partnerships Canadian Consultant for Family & Emergency Medicine, Leyaata Hospital, GRID Board Member & GHP Team Lead

This year, Ghana Health Partners (GHP) continued to build on nearly two decades of commitment to sustainable healthcare in Northern Ghana.

Through ongoing collaboration with Leyaata Hospital, GHP teams worked alongside Leyaata staff to provide essential clinical services across maternity, emergency, operating theatres, dental, eye, and paediatric care — from life-saving surgeries and neonatal care to the hospital’s first anaesthetized oral surgery.

Equally important, GHP focused on capacity-building: every mission included hands-on training for local staff — from midwives trained in newborn care to mental-health awareness workshops, lab and pharmacy development, and enhanced skills in emergency response.

These efforts are strengthening hospital systems for the long term and empowering Ghanaian health professionals to lead high-quality care with confidence and compassion.

Dr. David Aduwia invited Dr. Tiffany to observe a hernia repair.

Leyaata’s first oral surgery case.

GHP Eye Team, with Ghanaian ophthalmologist and Leyaata’s optometrist, Dr. Acheampong.

Dr. Josh preserving vision for this man who translated the Bible into the local Mo language.

ER head-to-toe assessment training.

Chest tube training station.

Leyaata Hospital Achieves Impressive SafeCare Score

Leyaata Hospital has earned an outstanding 4 out of 5 in its recent SafeCare assessment—an international benchmark for healthcare quality. Among Christian Health Association of Ghana’s 311 facilities, only four had ever reached this score; Leyaata is now the fifth.

We thank God for the dedicated staff, the GHPs whose training and mentorship strengthened the team, and all who helped build the vision of a model hospital offering quality, Christ-centered care each day.

80 Children Treated Through New Partnership

A new partnership with Compassion International has enabled 80 children from neighbouring communities to receive hernia surgeries under the leadership of Dr. David Aduwia, with strong support from Leyaata Hospital’s four other doctors. This collaboration is bringing relief, healing, and renewed hope to families across the region.

Two children calmly being led to the theatre for their surgeries.

BEST FARMER AWARD

We are delighted to report that NEA received the ‘Best Farmer’ Award for the Savannah Region, presented at the National Farmer’s Day. This is in recognition of the impact we are having in food production (crops, poultry, ostriches, emus, pigs, cattle, mushrooms, gardens, fish) in the area, which contributes to food security.

Savannah Regional Minister Hon. Isifu Salisu Bi-Awurobe (left) presenting the award to Soale Gbeadese, NEA’s Project Manager (right).

Dr. David Mensah with the tractor donated this year, which will help NEA increase food production in 2026.

Emmanuel – god with us

BY: BRENDA MENSAH, GRID & NEA Program Coordinator

Thirty-five years ago, David and I stepped onto a plane with our three little girls, trusting God as we began serving in Ghana. We knew Janga’s needs were great, but had no clear roadmap. Looking back, we marvel at how God guided and provided. Within ten years, Janga was thriving with improved health, schools, a clinic, wells, a busy market, and a growing church.

God then led us to Bole District, where the needs were even greater. Since then, development has reached 160+ villages, peacebuilding has touched 250+ communities, 48 churches have been established, pastors trained, students sponsored, food security strengthened, and healthcare made accessible through Leyaata Hospital.

On a recent walk through the hospital wards, I saw lives being saved—mothers after emergency deliveries and children recovering from surgeries. God is still with us.

To each of you who have prayed, encouraged, given, and served—thank you. Your faithfulness has carried this work.

As we close 2025, our prayer is that Emmanuel will also be with you and bless your journey.

looking forward

Queen Mothers Meeting

This month, about 50 Queen Mothers will gather in Carpenter. These respected leaders serve as advisors and peacebuilders. Please pray for unity, fruitful discussions, and safe travels.

ECAC Christmas Conference & Outreach

This year, Evangelical Christ Apostolic Church (ECAC) will hold its Christmas Conference & Outreach in Tinga. Since 2010, many have come to know Christ, a congregation formed, and a church building built with support from Uxbridge Baptist Church, Westney Heights, and Eastridge Evangelical Missionary Church.

New Churches & 2026 Christian Chiefs Conference

We are grateful that a faithful foundation partner has fully funded two new church buildings and the 2026 Christian Chiefs Conference, helping strengthen the church in Northern Ghana and equip leaders for Christ.

LEYAATA EDUCATION & RESEARCH NETWORK

In the new year, GRID & NEA, in partnership with Ghana Health Partners, Hernia International Carpenter, and Leyaata Hospital will be sharing the campaign for the LEARN Centre and dormitory, a hub for training Ghana’s future health professionals. Stay tuned!

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Filed Under: GRID and NEA News

David’s Magic Touch

2025/11/10 By Dr. Jennifer Wilson

Every so often, I’m unexpectedly overwhelmed by the sheer privilege of being a health care provider. Today was one of those moments as I watched our mission begin.

We left for the hospital at 07:00, where a wonderful breakfast of porridge, bananas, fresh peanut butter, omelettes, and coffee awaited us. Afterward, we gathered under the hospital gazebo—named in memory of our dear brother Noah Ampen—for morning devotions. On Mondays, the entire NEA and Leyaata staff meet together. After songs, prayers, and testimonies of thanksgiving, the GHP team was introduced, along with a dozen new Leyaata colleagues hired over the past few months. Dr. Mensah shared his heart and his vision for Leyaata to become a model hospital in West Africa and made a very exciting announcement (more on that soon). For those of us who knew Noah, we could imagine his arms raised high and that unforgettable smile.

Then it was time to work.

Beginning a mission is never easy. Many teammates are stepping into a new clinical environment with new colleagues and unfamiliar conditions—severe malaria, typhoid fever, amelogenesis imperfecta, and more. Yet one by one, I watched this team dive in wholeheartedly. Their courage—and their desire for mutual learning and skill-sharing—moved me deeply. I saw Dr. Sue and Leyaata’s Dr. Obed co-counselling a young couple with such compassion; Tiffany teaching the rehab team about low back pain after a full day; Jannine and Brooklyn working shoulder to shoulder with nurses on complex cases; Tracey hard at work in the lab; Neil and Garrett running a full dental clinic alongside the Leyaata dental team, and Sherry completely at home among her pharmacy colleagues. The warmth and openness of the skilled Leyaata staff made the day a joy to watch unfold.

Our eye team spent the day setting up the clinic and preparing for the many patients due to arrive tomorrow. Thanks to a generous Canadian donor, we brought an optical coherence tomography (OCT) machine—a tool that provides high-resolution images of the eye’s layers to detect diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration, often before symptoms appear. With an outdated manual, some virtual tech support from Canada, and a lot of persistence, the team got the OCT up and running—one of only a handful in Ghana, most located in the capital. They also set up the laser used to treat glaucoma. After hours of troubleshooting why it wouldn’t fire (and more virtual support), Dr. Mensah walked in, pressed one yellow button, and the whole machine came to life. We all agree—he has a magic touch.

At dinner, we shared our favourite moments—some hilarious, some deeply moving—and agreed it was a marvellous first day. We ended the evening with HI-CHEWs, cookies from home, games under the gazebo, and cold showers before turning in early.

Oh, and by the way, the temperature peaked at 33 degrees today. Sounds like we are missing some great weather back in Canada.

Dr. David Mensah thanking Dr. McDowell during morning devotions for his steady leadership over many years.

The dental team!

New flags in their new location at the NEA gates.

Dr. Mensah visiting the dental clinic!

The lab team!

Setting up the OCT.

First run of the OCT!

Under the gazebo.

Dr. Jennifer Wilson

DR. JENNIFER WILSON
MD, CCFP (EM), FCFP, DIM&PH, MPH (FCM) CSGH
Director of International Partnerships Canadian Consultant for Family & Emergency Medicine
Leyaata Hospital, Carpenter, Ghana

DISCLAIMER: This content is intended as updates shared to Ghana Health Partners’ Team Updates subscribers only and should not be shared with anyone. 

Filed Under: 2025 Ghana Health Partners Update, Ghana Health Partners, GRID and NEA News, Team Updates

Touchdown in Accra

2025/11/08 By Dr. Jennifer Wilson

We arrived safely in Accra—with all our supplies and equipment—and were greeted warmly by our NEA colleagues and the hotel team. Over a simple, joy-filled dinner of comfort food—lemonade, fried chicken, gizzard, jollof rice, and coleslaw—we felt right at home.

At the table, we revisited the four objectives Dr. Mensah shared 18 years ago as we prepared for our first mission. They remain our cornerstone:

  1. Be exposed to the needs of Northern Ghana.
  2. Follow the command of Jesus to visit the sick.
  3. Work alongside Ghanaian health professionals, using the skills and medicines available.
  4. Support NEA’s goal of improving health consistently.

These guideposts keep us humble and focused on partnership—listening first, learning continuously, and contributing in ways that are respectful, sustainable, and locally led.

Eighteen years ago, none of us could have imagined a 100-bed hospital with more than 200 staff on Carpenter soil. Leyaata stands as a testament to perseverance, shared vision, and community leadership. It also stirs our imagination: What might the next 18 years bring? And how might this visit—and the relationships we strengthen this week—help shape that future?

Vibes are strong, hearts are full, and we move forward with gratitude and purpose. Off for a few hours of sleep before the next leg of our journey to the North begins.

Dr. Jennifer Wilson

DR. JENNIFER WILSON
MD, CCFP (EM), FCFP, DIM&PH, MPH (FCM) CSGH
Director of International Partnerships Canadian Consultant for Family & Emergency Medicine
Leyaata Hospital, Carpenter, Ghana

DISCLAIMER: This content is intended as updates shared to Ghana Health Partners’ Team Updates subscribers only and should not be shared with anyone. 

Filed Under: 2025 Ghana Health Partners Update, Ghana Health Partners, GRID and NEA News

GRID & NEA IMPACT UPDATES (OCTOBER 2025)

2025/10/10 By GRID

   "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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Filed Under: GRID and NEA News

GRID & NEA IMPACT UPDATES (JUNE – JULY 2025)

2025/06/28 By GRID

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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