March 2007 Trip Update
Ah Shayh is a non-government organization that is registered under the confines laws of Ghana and supports community development in Northern Ghana.
On my trip to Ghana in March 2007, Ah Shayh / Dagomba Women’s Collective registered as a Non-Government Organization (NGO).
The goals of the organization are as follows:
- To work toward alleviating poverty in rural communities through Shea Nut Butter processing and other business ventures.
- To promote gender equality in education and other areas where gender inequalities exist.
- To provide incentives to youth who demonstrate exemplary work in educational endeavors or trade-based schools.
- To work collaboratively with literacy programs in the northern regions of Ghana to ensure that women have educational opportunities.
- To provide reproductive health including HIV to youth in and around rural villages.
- To provide uniforms and tuition to children who are economically deprived.
The Bicycle Project (Update)
Bicycles are given to children who travel one mile or more to school and have demonstrated a desire to achieve in school.
A portion of the 20% proceeds went to an outstanding student, Rashid. He attends a junior secondary school and was selected to receive a bicycle.
The Dagomba women received ten (10) new stainless steel pots & utensils. In addition, the women of the collective will each receive $100.00 (USD) each to invest in shea nut butter production as part of a micro credit arrangement. Each of the women received a new pair of shoes.
Micro Credit Process
The Dagomba women were loaned $100.00 dollars (USD) or 945660.00 Ghanaian cedi (GHC) (http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic)
1 US Dollar = 9,456.60 Ghanaian Cedi
1 Ghanaian Cedi (GHC) = 0.0001057 US Dollar (USD)
And repayment terms were agreed upon. The shea butter production is shared and the revenues collected when the loan is repaid.
Dogamba Highlights
* Literacy training
* Job skills program expanded
* New improved shea butter processing site
* Computer
Gender discrimination: The majority of husbands do not feel that wives should have higher education.
John Adams is the exception: “Now, Dagomba men now see the need to empower their women with trade or income ventures so she can aid in the support of the family”.
NEWS – Domestic Violence Law passed and enacted.
* Midwifery – children are delivered by midwives. If there are complications, they go to the general hospital.
* Jessonayali Clinic is used for general health problems.
* The women have had no training on family planning or HIV.