The Atidefe Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development by rolling out a series of educational, healthcare, security and economic empowerment initiatives in the Akatsi South Municipality of the Volta Region.
The fifth edition of the Foundation’s annual empowerment programme, held at the Akatsi RC Park, attracted hundreds of young people, traditional leaders, public officials, and community members under the theme “Empowering Youth for a Purpose-Driven Future.”
Speaking at the event, the Founder and Chairman of the Atidefe Foundation, Mr. Thomas Yao Atidefe, said the organization remains committed to creating sustainable opportunities for young people through agriculture, education and vocational skills.
According to him, the Foundation has made significant progress since its establishment in 2022, beginning with the distribution of 610 coconut seedlings. Today, nearly 15,000 coconut seedlings have been distributed across communities in the Volta Region to encourage youth participation in agriculture and promote long-term economic growth.
Supporting Education and Skills Development
As part of this year’s programme, the Foundation fulfilled its earlier promise of sponsoring five brilliant but financially disadvantaged students from Akatsi South to pursue tertiary education. The beneficiaries are currently studying at the University of Ghana and the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
The Foundation also extended support to apprentices by donating sewing machines to help them develop vocational skills and improve their livelihoods. Sports equipment was also presented to youth groups to encourage active participation in sports and community development.
Several continuing university students from the municipality also received financial assistance to support their academic studies.
Support for Security and Healthcare
In addition to youth-focused initiatives, the Foundation donated a modern photocopier and executive chairs to the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Health Service in Akatsi South to improve service delivery within the municipality.
The donations formed part of the Foundation’s broader vision of strengthening institutions that contribute to community development and public welfare.
Youth Forum Inspires Future Leaders
A major highlight of the event was the Youth Empowerment Forum, where legal professionals and agricultural experts engaged participants on career opportunities, modern farming practices, leadership, discipline and personal development.
Speakers encouraged the youth to embrace agriculture as a profitable business while also pursuing careers in law, entrepreneurship and other professional fields.
Leaders Praise the Initiative
Chairperson of the event and Member of Parliament for Savelugu, Fatahiya Abdul Aziz, commended the Foundation for combining agricultural support with education and youth mentorship.
She noted that initiatives such as coconut cultivation have the potential to create employment, improve household incomes and contribute significantly to Ghana’s economy.
The Paramount Chief of Avenor, Togbega Dorglo Anumah VI, also praised the Foundation for its consistency in investing in the future of young people. He urged beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunities provided and contribute positively to the socio-economic development of their communities.
During the programme, aspiring Volta Regional NDC Deputy Secretary John Paul Semavor pledged to sponsor two young people from the area to study law, while Dr. Edem Segbefia encouraged participants to take advantage of opportunities that would be created through future development programmes.
Building a Brighter Future
Since its establishment in 2022, the Atidefe Foundation has expanded its interventions across agriculture, education, healthcare, sports, vocational training and community development.
The Foundation’s continued investment in young people is widely seen as an important contribution toward reducing unemployment, improving livelihoods and promoting sustainable development across the Volta Region.
Residents and participants expressed appreciation for the Foundation’s efforts, describing the initiative as one that continues to inspire hope and empower the next generation of leaders in Akatsi South.
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